Valve Rejoins VR Hardware Wars with Modular Steam Frame Headset
After a hiatus from virtual reality (VR) hardware, Valve has announced its return to the market with the Steam Frame headset. This new device will allow users to experience VR games and content without being tethered to a PC.
The Steam Frame features a semi-modular design, which allows for easy upgrades and customization. The headset itself weighs just 440 grams, making it significantly lighter than some of its competitors. A removable "core" module contains the main hardware components, including the processor, RAM, tracking system, and cooling system. This modular approach could enable third-party manufacturers to create modified versions of the Steam Frame with unique features.
The headset also includes a wireless adapter for streaming content from a PC, which will be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 16 GB of RAM. The display resolution is 2160 x 2160 per eye, with a field-of-view of up to 110 degrees and a refresh rate of up to 144 Hz.
The Steam Frame will also feature inside-out tracking cameras, eliminating the need for external base stations. This means that users won't have to set up any additional equipment to use the headset. However, this also means that existing SteamVR controllers won't be compatible with the new device.
In addition to its VR capabilities, the Steam Frame will also support traditional Steam games through local execution or streaming from a PC. The wireless adapter will provide a low-latency connection, which is essential for a seamless VR experience.
Valve has stated that it's focused on providing a robust wireless streaming experience, and it's investing in new technologies to optimize this process. Foveated rendering, a technique used in the Steam Frame, will help reduce latency and improve image quality.
The Steam Frame headset is set to launch in early 2026, with pricing details yet to be revealed. Valve's modular approach could enable a wide range of customization options, making it an attractive option for gamers and enthusiasts who want to personalize their VR experience.
After a hiatus from virtual reality (VR) hardware, Valve has announced its return to the market with the Steam Frame headset. This new device will allow users to experience VR games and content without being tethered to a PC.
The Steam Frame features a semi-modular design, which allows for easy upgrades and customization. The headset itself weighs just 440 grams, making it significantly lighter than some of its competitors. A removable "core" module contains the main hardware components, including the processor, RAM, tracking system, and cooling system. This modular approach could enable third-party manufacturers to create modified versions of the Steam Frame with unique features.
The headset also includes a wireless adapter for streaming content from a PC, which will be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 16 GB of RAM. The display resolution is 2160 x 2160 per eye, with a field-of-view of up to 110 degrees and a refresh rate of up to 144 Hz.
The Steam Frame will also feature inside-out tracking cameras, eliminating the need for external base stations. This means that users won't have to set up any additional equipment to use the headset. However, this also means that existing SteamVR controllers won't be compatible with the new device.
In addition to its VR capabilities, the Steam Frame will also support traditional Steam games through local execution or streaming from a PC. The wireless adapter will provide a low-latency connection, which is essential for a seamless VR experience.
Valve has stated that it's focused on providing a robust wireless streaming experience, and it's investing in new technologies to optimize this process. Foveated rendering, a technique used in the Steam Frame, will help reduce latency and improve image quality.
The Steam Frame headset is set to launch in early 2026, with pricing details yet to be revealed. Valve's modular approach could enable a wide range of customization options, making it an attractive option for gamers and enthusiasts who want to personalize their VR experience.
Valve is back in the game and this thing looks like a beast 
. The modular design is genius - just think of all the sick custom mods you could get made for it. And no more worrying about those pesky base stations, just strap on the headset and go! 
I mean, what's not to love? Fast, smooth VR with wireless streaming... this is gonna take gaming to a whole new level 
. Can't wait to get my hands on one in 2026 
.
just read about new steam frame headset from valve! so cool 
light as a feather 440g 
and wireless adapter will make gaming on the go super fun 
foveated rendering is also a nice touch 
hope it's gonna be worth the wait 2026 can't come soon enough 
. that modular design is a game changer - can't wait to see what kind of customizations we'll be able to do with it 
. and wireless streaming? yeah please 
. no more tangled cables or worrying about getting tangled up in your headset while gaming 
. this thing is gonna make vr way more accessible to the masses 
. plus, foveated rendering? that's some fancy tech right there 
. bringing it all together with a 2160p display and 144hz refresh rate... i'm sold already 
? I mean, Valve's new Steam Frame is lookin' fancy with its modular design and inside-out trackin', but at the end of the day, it's still just a tool. It's what we do with that tool that matters. We gotta remember, our worth ain't defined by the device in our hand 
. Let's focus on sharin' our passions, connectin' with others, and havin' meaningful experiences 
. And those tracking cameras? No more lugging around external base stations for me, thank you very much 
. Fingers crossed they get the latency down with that foveated rendering tech - can't wait to dive into some VR gaming sessions on this bad boy! 
. Anyway, I'm excited to see what they do with this tech... but gotta keep my expectations in check 
! modular design means we'll get sick custom mods in no time 
can't wait for early 2026 release & pricing details 
. this thing better be worth the hype