Valve says the Steam Frame is priced at $1,059 for the 256GB model and $1,299 for the 1TB version, both of which come with a copy of Half-Life: Alyx

Valve's Steam Frame headset can now be reserved, offering a direct competitor to standalone VR devices with PC VR streaming capabilities.

Valve has announced pricing and reservation details for its Steam Frame VR headset. The 256GB model is priced at $1,059, and the 1TB model costs $1,299. Both versions include a copy of Half-Life: Alyx. The headset runs on SteamOS and can play compatible Linux and Windows games locally, with support for Android games via a compatibility layer. It features inside-out tracking with four cameras, including monochrome passthrough, and eye-tracking for foveated streaming. Valve has also partnered with Arcturus Vision to offer a $149 color passthrough add-on. Reservations are open now, with a randomized queuing system to manage demand and prevent scalping. Valve has confirmed 70 other VR titles that run standalone on the device.

The inclusion of a standalone Half-Life: Alyx, optimized with eye-tracked foveated rendering, suggests a significant advancement in portable VR processing and developer accessibility. This move by Valve could encourage more AAA developers to create standalone VR experiences, broadening the content library beyond PC-tethered play. The headset's ability to run games locally on its ARM processor, alongside PC VR streaming, positions it as a versatile device for both casual and enthusiast VR users.

Valve's reservation system, designed to combat scalping, indicates a cautious production strategy and an expectation of high demand, potentially signaling a renewed mainstream interest in PC VR. The integrated eye-tracking and foveated streaming technologies are key to achieving standalone performance for demanding titles, setting a new benchmark for efficiency and visual fidelity. This approach could influence future hardware designs, pushing for greater onboard processing power and integrated eye-tracking solutions across the VR market.