Valve has revealed the prices for its new VR headset, and like the Steam Machine, it’s bound to be controversial. The Steam Frame headset will start at $1,059 for the 256GB model and rise to $1,299 for the 1TB version, including controllers. For this amount you will also get a rebuilt version of Half-life alyxValve’s 2020 PC VR game, which runs entirely on the headset.
Valve also revealed several optional accessories available at launch. The power brick for charging the built-in 21.6Wh battery will cost US$29, but you won’t need it if you already have a high-power USB-C charger. You can also get an Accessory Replacement Kit for $49 (a face seal, a head pad, and a light blocker) and an Ergonomic Accessory Kit for $59 (two controller straps, two controller strap battery doors, a headset top strap, and an extended light blocker).
Alongside these, you will eventually be able to order corrective lenses from Zenni Optical, while Arcturus plans to launch an RGB camera. Prices for these items have not yet been revealed.
The Steam Frame launched without the delays of the Steam Machine, but Valve will still have a rather expensive reservation ordering system. First, register for the model you want to purchase by September 17 at 10:00 AM PT. Valve will then do a one-time randomization to determine the order, and buyers will receive an email on the 17th indicating whether they are on the reservation list or waitlist. Anyone registering after September 17 will be added to the end of the waiting list. Presumably the company has resolved the issues it previously had with these listings.
The company plans to send the first batch of shopping emails on September 18 and will continue to do so as availability allows. If you are on the waitlist, this means there are not enough Steam Frames available to reserve, and you will be notified when there are any.
Valve also confirmed some new features added since the Steam Frame review period began. The number of standalone verified titles has increased to 130, and the headset will initially support Gamepad mode (for 2D games) within the unified dashboard. The company has also improved multi-link streaming, input focus, depth projection, and visual sharpness.
As for Half-life: AlyxValve initially didn’t think they could revamp the game to work on the headset. However, the company claims that “foveal rendering and eye tracking proved to be a silver bullet,” allowing them to avoid modifying assets or degrading the gaming experience. Still, it required “over a year” of additional software work within the Vulkan drivers and SteamVR, which will also benefit other games running on Steam Frame.
Along with the headset, buyers will receive a voucher for Half-life: Alyx by logging into Steam Frame and going to Settings. However, Valve has just confirmed that the game won’t arrive in time for Frame’s launch, but is “destined to ship to customers soon.”
