Steam Frame
News, coverage and analysis tracking Steam Frame across the outlets.
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Evening Reading - October 19, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading highlights the release of a documentary on Mina the Hollower, reviews for Steam Frame and Stupid Never Dies, and a discussion about potential characters in the next Street Fighter movie. It also touches on immigration policy impacting Umamusume: Pretty Derby's US concert and Konami's president's views on AI in gaming.
Valve is clearing out its discontinued Index VR headsets if you want a cheap piece of history
Valve is heavily discounting remaining stock of its discontinued Valve Index VR headset, selling it for $399.20 while supplies last. The company has officially stated that the Index is no longer being produced, with a newer headset, Steam Frame, having recently launched. While the headset itself is discounted, controllers and base stations are sold separately and are not part of the sale.
PSA: Please Allow My Very Expensive Steam Frame Mistake To Help You, Fellow Glasses Wearers
A glasses-wearing user details their frustrating experience with the expensive Steam Frame, finding it unusable due to their eyewear not fitting despite the included spacer. The article highlights the importance of checking the maximum glasses width specification (140mm) and notes that prescription lens inserts from Zenni are out of stock, making the $1,059 device a costly paperweight for some.
My failed Steam Frame teardown... and iFixit's successful one
This article details a failed attempt to teardown the Valve Steam Frame VR headset, contrasting it with a successful teardown by iFixit. The analysis highlights the headset's modular design and user-serviceable components, particularly praising Valve's efforts in repairability despite some complex steps.
Over 35,000 people say they signed up for a Steam Frame, and less than half have one reserved
Valve has begun allocating the first batch of Steam Frames through a randomized lottery, with over 35,000 people signing up. Community data suggests approximately 44.7% of respondents received a reservation, while 51.6% were placed on a waitlist. The article also touches on storage options and user preferences for the 256 GB model.
As VR gamers celebrate the launch of Steam Frame, Meta's next headset leaks ahead of Connect 2026, but I don't…
Ahead of Meta Connect 2026, imagery has leaked for Meta's unannounced 'Project Phoenix' device, which appears to be more akin to smart glasses than a traditional VR headset. This comes amid Meta's recent studio closures and layoffs in its Reality Labs division, and a price increase for Quest headsets, suggesting a potential shift away from the mainstream gaming market. The article questions whether this new device will pose a competitive threat to Valve's Steam Frame, especially given its potential focus on controller-free interaction and a smaller lens.
Valve targeted a lower price for the Steam Frame, then the memory crisis happened: 'I wish we could have shipped it…
Valve's new Steam Frame VR headset is launching at higher price points than initially intended due to a global memory crisis. Engineers Joy Lyons and Jeremy Selan confirmed Valve aimed for a lower price but component costs, particularly RAM, forced adjustments. The Steam Frame's pricing is significantly higher than competitors like the Meta Quest 3, which also faced price increases.
Get ready to fight over Steam Frame stock - the same reservation system used for the Steam Controller and Steam Machine has been spotted after SteamDB package updates were issued
A reservation system similar to those used for the Steam Controller and Steam Machine has been discovered for Valve's upcoming Steam Frame VR headset. While the system is not yet live, its appearance in Steam's backend, alongside recent SteamDB package updates, suggests Valve is preparing for a launch with anticipated high demand and limited stock.
Unboxing videos of the Steam Frame have been leaked, giving us a closer look at the long-awaited VR headset
Leaked unboxing and setup videos of Valve's upcoming Steam Frame VR headset have surfaced, offering a detailed look at its premium design and features. The videos, initially part of an Arm Steam Client update, showcase the headset's comfort, adjustable headband, and controller pairing process. While Valve has pulled the original videos, they have been reposted, suggesting the product is nearing its release in the latter half of 2026.
Yet another sign the Steam Frame is approaching launch—maybe really for real this time?—as the SteamOS beta adds 'preliminary support' for its wireless adapter
Valve's upcoming VR headset, the Steam Frame, appears to be closer to launch as SteamOS Beta and Preview channels have received preliminary support for its wireless adapter. This update, along with previous import signs and software classifications, suggests a launch is imminent, though the exact date remains unconfirmed. Discussions also speculate if Valve is waiting for an updated Half-Life Alyx before releasing the headset.
GamesRadar+ readers voted on how much the Steam Frame should cost, and I'm worried Valve will see the results
A poll conducted by GamesRadar+ readers suggests that the upcoming Steam Frame VR headset should cost between $699-$799, with a significant portion believing it should be under $899. The author expresses concern that Valve might price the device higher, potentially hindering VR adoption due to its niche market and current economic conditions.
In the eleventh hour before Steam Frame's launch, its processor manufacturer just announced rising prices
Qualcomm has informed its partners that it will be increasing prices for its processing chips starting September 1st due to rising manufacturing costs. This announcement could impact the imminent launch of Valve's Steam Frame VR headset, which uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and potentially other devices like the Meta Quest 3 and Pico 4 Ultra.
More bad news for Valve and its still unreleased Steam Frame as Qualcomm is set to raise the price of its chips, like…
Qualcomm is reportedly increasing its chip prices by a double-digit percentage starting September 1, which could negatively impact devices like Valve's upcoming Steam Frame VR headset and Meta's VR headsets. This price hike comes amid ongoing memory shortages and affects manufacturers like TSMC. Valve has a stockpile of Steam Frames, potentially mitigating the immediate impact on consumers.
The stage seems set for the Steam Frame's arrival as VR headset shipments are sitting in warehouses, but Valve is apparently still working on its "gamepad mode"
Valve's upcoming VR headset, the Steam Frame, appears to be nearing its launch as shipments are reportedly arriving in warehouses. Despite rumors of a delay due to the development of a "gamepad mode," recent updates to SteamVR and the addition of a "great on Frame" tag suggest an imminent release. The article also touches on the competitive VR market and potential pricing strategies for the headset.
Meta says its working on 'multiple next-generation headsets' despite the struggles of VR and the heat death of…
Meta's CTO Andrew Bosworth confirmed that the company is actively developing multiple next-generation virtual reality headsets, despite recent studio closures. While specific details are scarce, Bosworth indicated that more information will be revealed at Meta Connect in September. The company continues to invest in VR technology, with a potential Meta Quest 4 expected after the Q4 2025 earnings call.
Virtual Reality Check
Valve's Steam Frame appears to be nearing its launch, as indicated by the appearance of a new 'Great on Frame' category on the platform. This suggests an imminent release for the virtual reality hardware.
Valve roll out a more detailed timeline for Steam Controller orders, giving you a clearer picture of when you'll hear about your reservation
Valve has implemented a new system to provide customers with estimated delivery windows for Steam Controller orders, addressing high demand. Customers will receive emails with one of three timelines: by September 2026, by December 2026, or in 2027, with further details to follow for the latter group. New orders are currently estimated for 2027.
Steam Frame battery details emerge, showing hot-swappable system and AA batteries for the controllers
Details from an FCC filing reveal that the upcoming Steam Frame VR headset will feature hot-swappable batteries in an 'Enthusiast kit' and its controllers will use standard AA batteries. The filing also suggests the headset's internal battery may not be user-replaceable, though Valve's instructions are referenced for battery replacement. The Steam Frame is expected to launch this summer, potentially around the same time as the Steam Machine.
Steam Frame's tutorial video appears to leak on Reddit, demonstrating a very brief explainer of its software
A tutorial video for Valve's upcoming VR headset, the Steam Frame, has allegedly leaked on Reddit. The brief clip showcases the headset's 'Welcome Tour' software, demonstrating controller functions and UI navigation. The leak suggests the Steam Frame is nearing its summer release, though specific details on units and pricing remain unannounced.
Trots minnespriserna släpps Steam Machine och Steam Frame i sommar
Valve has announced that both the Steam Machine and its new VR headset, Steam Frame, will be released this summer. Despite concerns about rising memory prices impacting technology costs, Valve confirmed the launch timeline. The Steam Machine is a living room-friendly gaming PC running SteamOS, while the Steam Frame is a standalone VR headset capable of streaming.