Valve's Steam Frame: premium VR headset with direct PC streaming

In short

• Valve's Steam Frame starts at £889 and is the company's first VR headset since the Index in 2019.
• The headset comes in two models: a 512GB version for £889 and a 1TB version for £1,089.
• Steam Frame supports on-device tracking and can stream games directly from a PC.

GAME-scanner analysis

With the introduction of the Steam Frame, Valve is firmly positioning itself in the premium segment of the VR market. The £889 price tag for the base model shows that Valve is targeting serious gamers and VR enthusiasts. The choice of a standalone headset with on-device tracking could significantly improve VR accessibility, as users will no longer depend on external base stations. This is especially appealing for players considering the jump to VR but worried about the complexity of traditional setups. In addition, the ability to stream games directly from a PC lets users tap into their existing Steam library without buying extra hardware. That could make the headset even more attractive, especially for those who already have a large Steam collection.

What does this mean for players?

For gamers looking for a high-end VR experience, the Steam Frame offers promising specs and features. The ability to stream games directly from a PC could boost its appeal, especially for those who already have an extensive Steam library. However, the high price may be a barrier for potential buyers, particularly at a time when budget awareness among gamers is increasing. The standalone design could also lower the entry barrier for newcomers to VR, but the question remains whether the pricing will put them off.

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