Steam Frame: The Ars Technica review
Summary
Valve is releasing a new virtual reality (VR) headset called the Steam Frame, which costs $1,049 and can be reserved starting today. The Steam Frame is designed to be lightweight and comfortable by splitting the battery to the back of the head, reducing front weight and pressure compared to other VR headsets.Key Facts
- Valve previously led the PC-connected VR market with the HTC Vive and its own Index headset.
- The Meta Quest series offered cheaper, wireless VR, becoming popular in the 2020s and reducing demand for PC-tethered headsets.
- The Steam Frame weighs 440 grams, about 15% lighter than the Meta Quest 3's 515 grams.
- The headset’s design places a battery pack on the back of the user’s head to balance weight.
- This split design helps prevent the headset from feeling front-heavy and slipping down the nose.
- The Steam Frame still applies some pressure to the cheeks and forehead, which can cause heat and sweat during active use.
- Valve is entering the standalone VR headset market in 2026 after years of little activity in VR hardware.
- The headset is priced at $1,049 and aims to improve comfort while providing a high-end VR experience.
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