Valve has launched the Steam Frame, a dual-purpose VR headset capable of both standalone operation and wireless PC streaming. The device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and features 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM. Users can choose between internal storage options of 256GB or 1TB, with additional capacity available via a microSD slot.
The headset weighs 440 grams and utilizes dual LCDs with a resolution of 2160 x 2160 per eye. Its optics system includes pancake lenses providing a 110-degree horizontal field of view, with refresh rates ranging from 72 Hz to 144 Hz. The device incorporates six cameras for tracking and eye-tracking, along with an integrated cooling fan.
For PC streaming, the Steam Frame uses a dedicated Wi-Fi 6E dongle for a low-latency connection, supporting foveated streaming technology. In standalone mode, the headset runs x86 Windows games on ARM64 hardware using FEX emulation and Proton. The device is equipped with a 21.6 Whr battery located in the rear headstrap cradle.
The base model of the Steam Frame is priced at $1,059, with the tested configuration costing $1,299. Optional accessories include a $29 power adapter and a $59 Ergonomic Accessories Kit. The package includes two wireless controllers, each powered by a single AA battery with an estimated 40-hour lifespan.
