Valve finally reveals Steam Frame price, release date and accessories

Valve has finally revealed the price and launch details for Steam Frame, its long-awaited standalone VR headset first unveiled around 10 months ago. Time sure flies, isn't it? Designed as a “streaming-first” device, Steam Frame can run compatible VR and flat-screen games natively while also using a USB dongle included in the box to establish a direct wireless connection with a PC.

The entry-level 256GB Steam Frame costs $1,059 / £889 / €1,049, making it considerably more expensive than many expected when Valve first announced the headset. The package includes the headset and a copy of Half-Life: Alyx, which Valve has rebuilt as a native ARM application for Steam Frame. You can still stream the game from a PC, although existing owners unfortunately don't receive an extra copy that they could give to a friend.

There's also a 1TB model priced at $1,299 / £1,089 / €1,279, although both storage configurations are only available in the standard black finish rather than the transparent version Valve previously showed.

Valve is offering several accessories alongside the headset. A USB-C charger costs $29 / £29 / €39, while the Ergonomic Accessories Kit is $59 / £59 / €69 and includes hand straps, battery doors for those straps, a top strap, and an extended light blocker. An accessory replacement kit containing a face gasket, head cushion, and light blocker costs $49 / £49 / €59.

Below is the complete pricing breakdown for both Steam Frame models, the Ergonomic Accessories Kit, the accessory replacement kit and the charger across various regions, including Canada, Australia, and Poland:

Underneath the headset's compact design is a Snapdragon Series 8 Gen 3 mobile chipset, allowing Steam Frame to function as a genuinely standalone VR device. Beyond optimized VR titles, Valve says it can also run nearly the entire Steam library of traditional flat-screen games.

Getting one won't simply involve placing an order, either. Valve is using a reservation process similar to the one planned for Steam Machine. Customers can register their interest for either storage configuration until September 17, after which Valve will randomize applicants between a reservation queue and a waiting list. Those selected for the queue are expected to receive their headsets before the end of the year.

The first purchase invitations will be sent on September 18, and customers will have three days to complete their purchase before giving up their position. Anyone registering after the September 17 deadline will simply be added to the end of the waiting list.

Valve has also confirmed 70 other VR games that have been tested to run well as standalone experiences, earning the new Steam Frame Verified badge. With the hardware now official and reservations opening soon, Valve's ambitious VR comeback is finally becoming a reality, albeit at a price that could make the Steam Frame a tough sell for casual VR users.

As always, for the latest news on Steam Frame, Valve's VR hardware, SteamOS, and developments across the gaming industry, be sure to follow our dedicated gaming and hardware coverage.