GoKawiilValve opens Steam Frame reservations at $1,049 for its return to standalone VR
Valve has begun taking reservations for the Steam Frame, a standalone VR headset priced at $1,049, marking its first major hardware push into virtual reality since largely stepping back from the category years ago. Ars Technica's early hands-on testing found the device notably lightweight at 440 grams, about 15 percent lighter than the Meta Quest 3, thanks to a split design separating the battery pack from the lens housing.
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Valve's re-entry comes at an odd moment, long after VR's hyped mainstream breakthrough failed to materialize and after Meta's cheaper Quest line captured most of the standalone market. A high price and mixed early impressions suggest Valve is betting on comfort and PC-gaming ties rather than mass-market appeal to carve out a niche.
- Steam Frame reservations opened at a $1,049 price point.
- The headset weighs 440g, lighter than Meta's Quest 3.
- Early reviews call the device both overengineered and underbaked.
Valve Steam Deck — The Valve Steam Deck is a powerful handheld gaming PC that brings your Steam library anywhere. Perfect for gamers excited about the evolving VR landscape, it offers a portable way to enjoy your favorite titles on the go, complementing the new Steam Frame and enhancing your virtual reality experience.
See Valve Steam Deck on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: arstechnica.com, 2026-09-14
Published there as: “Steam Frame: The Ars Technica review”
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