Valve Index
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Valve Index.
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With the Steam Frame becoming Valve's new favourite VR child, they're selling off their last Index headset stock
Valve has officially discontinued the Valve Index VR kit, offering a 20% discount on remaining stock as they shift focus to the Steam Deck. The Index, launched in 2019, was notable for its introduction of individual finger tracking controllers, a feature that has influenced subsequent VR hardware like the Meta Quest 3, though the Steam Deck's own finger tracking accuracy is not quite as refined.
Valve considered making a new VR game for the Steam Frame, before tackling the "ludicrous" task of getting Half-Life: Alyx running standalone
Valve considered developing a new VR game for the Steam Frame headset but ultimately decided to focus on making Half-Life: Alyx run in standalone VR. This decision was driven by the desire to showcase existing VR titles and the invaluable development knowledge gained from optimizing Alyx for the new hardware. The process revealed significant performance improvements applicable to other Steam Frame games.
The Steam Frame launches during one of the slowest periods for VR on Steam, but Valve hopes to 'rekindle the…
Valve's new Steam Frame hardware aims to revitalize the PCVR market, which has seen a decline in new game releases on Steam since 2017. Despite the rise of standalone headsets like Meta Quest 3, Valve believes PCVR still offers unique experiences and hopes the Steam Frame will bridge the gap between PC and mobile VR.
Valve working on Steam Frame strap that adds Index-like speakers and hot-swappable batteries, 'coming soon'
Valve is developing a first-party accessory for the Steam Deck called the Steam Frame, which will add Valve Index-like off-ear speakers and a hot-swappable battery. While the exact release date is unknown, Valve engineers indicated it is 'coming soon' and aims to provide an immersive audio experience similar to the Valve Index.
Steam Frame review: Another best-in-class VR headset by Valve, though virtual realities clash with economic ones
Valve's new Steam Frame VR headset is a high-quality piece of hardware with innovative features like foveated streaming and a unique compatibility layer for PC games. Despite its impressive capabilities and comfortable design, the headset's high price point and limited standalone performance compared to the Meta Quest 3 and Steam Deck present significant economic barriers for consumers.
Valve’s Steam Frame VR headset opens for orders, with the cheapest model priced at a lenswatering £889 / $1,059
Valve has opened orders for its new Steam VR headset, with prices starting at £889 / $1,059 for the 256GB model. The headset is described as a versatile piece of VR kit, capable of playing PC VR titles like Half-Life: Alyx and even some flat Steam games. However, the high price point and ongoing component shortages have impacted its affordability and availability.
After two weeks with Steam Frame, Valve's latest is now my go-to VR headset, but my recommendation comes with some important caveats
Valve's Steam Frame VR headset offers a comfortable and lightweight design with impressive PC-to-headset streaming capabilities, making it a compelling option for PC VR enthusiasts. However, its standalone performance is inconsistent and less polished than competitors like the Meta Quest 3, and its high price point may be a barrier for many.
I've been using the Steam Frame for 3 weeks—here's what I think
After three weeks of testing, the Steam Frame is hailed as the best all-round VR headset, praised for its comfort, ease of use, and excellent tracking. Despite its high price point and some display limitations compared to competitors like the Meta Quest 3, its seamless wireless streaming and integrated SteamOS offer a convenient and immersive PC VR experience.
Steam Frame starts at $1,059 and you'll want to enter the stock lottery before September 17 for a higher chance of…
Valve has announced pricing and availability for its new Steam Deck VR headset, with the 256 GB model starting at $1,059 USD and the 1 TB model at $1,299 USD. A reservation system is in place, requiring sign-ups between September 14 and September 17, with a randomization process to determine who gets a unit. Valve aims to limit resellers and improve the purchase experience with this system.
The Steam Frame needs to be more than a cool device if Valve want to reshape the VR market
The VR market is facing a decline in headset shipments and studio closures, with a shift away from mid-range devices towards high-end or AR/XR alternatives. Despite Meta's continued dominance and some internal successes with its Quest ecosystem, the overall VR gaming landscape struggles with visibility and the high cost of developing tentpole titles. Valve's upcoming Steam Frame faces challenges related to pricing and a lack of compelling exclusive content, suggesting VR may become an integrated feature rather than a standalone market.
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.
Valve Doesn’t Want to Use Exclusive Games to Sell Steam Machines, Says Engineer
Valve engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais stated that the company does not intend to make games exclusive to the Steam Machine, preferring to keep the entire PC catalog available. Engineers Yazan Aldehayyat and Griffais also emphasized Valve's interest in fostering innovation among hardware manufacturers rather than dominating the market. Despite early success and high pricing, Valve acknowledges ongoing memory supply challenges for the Steam Machine.
Portal 2 just got a Steam Frame compatibility rating, hinting at the VR headset's imminent launch
Valve has assigned Portal 2 a 'Playable' rating for its upcoming Steam Deck VR headset, indicating the game will function but not at the headset's full native resolution. The rating suggests the game supports the headset's controller configuration and interface text, but the resolution limitation is noted as a drawback. The Steam Deck VR headset is slated for a summer launch and will feature standalone capabilities similar to the Meta Quest 3.
The Steam Frame is arriving in the US, suggesting the VR headset's launch isn't far off
Recent import manifests suggest Valve's new VR headset, the Steam Frame, is arriving at US warehouses, indicating a potential summer launch. Shipments from Quanta Computing, which did not work on the Valve Index, point to the Steam Frame as the likely VR device. The article also speculates on the possibility of Steam Deck or Steam Machine resupplies based on other import data.
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.
A new Steam Frame setup video leak hints at imminent release date
A leaked setup video for Valve's upcoming Steam Frame VR headset has surfaced, showing the device's initial configuration process. While the video was reportedly run on a Valve Index, it clearly references the Steam Frame. Valve has previously confirmed a summer release for the standalone VR headset, which can also connect to a PC for higher fidelity gaming.
OUTBLAST - OUT TODAY - WITH A BLAST!!
Rhino Rock Studios has released their new Sci-Fi shooter, OUTBLAST, on June 4, 2026. The game offers both standalone PC play and an immersive VR option, featuring retro-inspired graphics and fast-paced gameplay across five districts with unique bosses. Players can compete on global leaderboards and upgrade their ships as they fight to save the planet Perseon-6 from a viral intelligence.
Save 2% on Pimax Crystal VR headsets and get $150 of accessories for free, thanks to PCGamesN
Pimax is offering a 2% discount on its Crystal Light and Crystal Super VR headsets, along with a free $150 accessory bundle, through the end of May. These high-resolution headsets require a powerful PC and offer superior visual clarity compared to devices like the Meta Quest 3. The deal is available worldwide.
Defend Perseon-6 - Over and Out!
Rhino Rock Studios announced that their new sci-fi arcade shooter, OUTBLAST, will be released on June 4, 2026, for PC and Steam Deck, with support for VR headsets including Meta Quest, Valve Index, and HTC Vive. Players will defend the planet Perseon-6 from a viral intelligence called Typhon, upgrading their ship and competing on global leaderboards.
Pimax Crystal Light review - an ideal VR headset for flight and racing sims
The Pimax Crystal Light is a high-resolution VR headset recommended for PC gamers, particularly those playing flight and racing simulations. It offers a significant visual upgrade over older and entry-level headsets like the Meta Quest 3, with a resolution of 2,880 x 2,880 per eye, at a price point below $1,000. While large and heavy, it provides a comfortable experience and excellent image quality for its cost.
