Valve's upcoming Steam Frame VR headset is set to arrive in spring 2026, but if you were hoping to play 2D games or view content with a 3D effect, we now know the feature won't be available — at least, not at launch.
Currently, the Steam Frame doesn't support stereoscopic 3D rendering, a feature that can create a three-dimensional view of 2D content.
However, the feature could still be coming in the future. Valve has stated that stereoscopic 3D content for the Steam Frame is "on our list," according to a spokesperson speaking to RoadtoVR. In fact, the gaming giant is considering bringing support for any stereoscopic content when streamed from a PC via the 6GHz wireless adapter or just on the VR headset.
This means we may see stereoscopic 3D content for flat games, photos or videos in the future, bringing a new level of immersion. That is, if 2D games support stereoscopic 3D rendering, as there aren't many around unless used with a third-party mod to create a 3D effect.
In light of this, Valve was also asked if it was working on a way to automatically convert 2D Steam games to 3D on the Steam Frame, but stated that this wasn't something it's looking into at the moment.
A future goal
We're impressed by how XR headsets can turn any 2D photo into a 3D one, like from Apple's Photos app on the Vision Pro and Google Photos on Samsung's Galaxy XR headset. Plus, 3D movies are also gaining traction, and seeing this implemented on Valve's Steam Frame would give the VR headset another perk.
However, this has been an exclusive feature for more premium headsets for now, although Meta has partnered up with Universal Pictures and Blumhouse to feature movies with 3D special effects on its Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S via its new Horizon TV hub.
With Valve working on a so-called "Lepton" compatibility layer (via GamingOnLinux) to allow Android on its Linux-based SteamOS devices like the Steam Frame, this could bleed into a way to utilize Android XR. This could take full advantage of more stereoscopic 3D content, but it would still be trickier for 2D gaming.
If Valve finds a way to render stereoscopic 3D for a game in real time, it would add another dimension to playing flat Steam games on the Steam Frame. But in the meantime, this won't be something that's immediately available on the anticipated VR headset.
For now, Valve has been working on other ways to bring games to more platforms, as it's been laying the groundwork to deliver Windows gaming to more Arm-based devices. And it could be a sign of the Steam Deck 2 switching to an Arm-based chip.
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