After nearly a year of eager anticipation, the Steam Frame has finally arrived. While many were hopeful that this new VR headset would come in under the price of the Valve Index, it’s priced at a premium, starting at $1,059 for the 256GB model. This high price point isn’t unexpected, considering the continuous rise in hardware costs over the past year. For those looking for more storage, a 1TB model is available for $1,299. Both versions come equipped with two controllers, an eye spacer for glasses, and a dedicated Wi-Fi 6GHz dongle for seamless PCVR streaming.
For hardcore VR enthusiasts, the Steam Frame delivers cutting-edge technology. Features like eye tracking, a dedicated wireless PC dongle, and 16GB of RAM set it apart from competitors like the Meta Quest 3. While the Frame is designed primarily for streaming PCVR games—a task it excels at—those in search of an affordable, standalone VR headset might still lean towards Meta’s offering.
In the broader PCVR market, the Steam Frame’s pricing aligns with industry norms. Competitors such as the $1,799 Samsung Galaxy XR and the $899 Pimax Crystal Light offer similar capabilities, albeit with the Pimax being wired-only. Just as with the Steam Machine, the Steam Frame has seen price adjustments pre-launch, largely due to the “RAMpocalypse” that has driven up costs over the past year, affecting everything from VR systems to gaming consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
For those still interested in purchasing the Steam Frame, reservations are open now. Following Valve’s familiar process, once reservations close on September 17 at 10am PST, entries will be divided into a reservation list and a waitlist. Shipping begins on September 18, with emails sent to those on the waitlist as units become available, a system likely to stretch well into the coming months.
The Steam Frame promises to enhance PCVR gaming experiences but does come at a price. As VR technology continues to evolve, it will be intriguing to see how the market responds to Valve’s latest offering.
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