Valve 'Steam Frame' VR headset rumors: Everything we know so far

If you've been waiting for the next best VR headset to release, Valve may just have the next-gen device coming to shelves soon. The successor to the Valve Index has been hinted at being in the works, and rumors are pointing to a Valve "Steam Frame."

Also known as Valve Deckard, rumors of the next-gen virtual reality headset from the Bellevue gaming company have been swirling. But the new device is no mere speculation, as Valve has been talking about developing a new VR headset for a while. Even CEO Gabe Newell confirmed "new headsets and games" are set to arrive.

It's believed that the upcoming headset will be named "Steam Frame." With Meta now focusing its efforts on smart glasses such as its Meta Ray-Ban Display, leaving the Meta Quest 4 and Asus ROG "Tarius" VR headset to a possible later date, all eyes are on what Valve's cooking up.

And we may not have to wait much longer to find out. For all the latest details on Valve's next-gen VR headset, here's what you need to know about the rumored Steam Frame.

Valve Steam Frame: Rumored price and release date

The leading question on the Steam Frame is a simple one: "When will it launch?" Over the past year, all rumors have been pointing to the end of 2025. That means we'll hopefully see it soon.

Most recently, the Chinese analyst group XR Research Institute (via UploadVR) has reported that the Steam Frame has entered mass production. That's a good sign that Valve is getting ready to announce the headset soon, but the group also notes that it's reportedly set to launch this year. This is further backed up by Valve tipster Gabe Follower on X, who claimed the new headset should be released by the end of 2025 back in February.

Apparently, the VR device will cost around $1,200 / £950 / AU$1,900, leading many to believe this will be more of a premium PC VR gaming headset. However, since the leak came from much earlier this year, that cost may change, especially considering tariffs.

According to the XR Research Institute, an estimated 400,000 to 600,000 units per year are expected to be in production. Not only does this further confirm the likelihood of a premium headset, but it also shows that Valve is looking to reveal a different kind of VR headset compared to the more affordable (and popular) Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S — with these expected to have at least been sold in the millions.

While the Steam Frame may be expected to launch over the next few months, it's hard to predict when this announcement will happen. Many initially believed it would be revealed during Meta Connect 2025, with many popular VR YouTubers teasing a new reveal. As you can tell, this didn't happen.

For context, the Valve Index was announced in April 2019, with the VR headset releasing a couple of months later at the end of June. Valve may have a different timeframe in mind with its Steam Frame, so now, only time will tell when we'll see Valve release its upcoming headset.

Valve Steam Frame: Features

It's still up in the air what kind of VR headset the Steam Frame will be, and the specs it will offer. However, considering its expected price and what the Valve Index brings to the table, it gives us a good idea of what the next-gen VR headset could deliver.

Leaker Gabe Follower suggested it would be a new standalone wireless headset, expected to run SteamOS like the Steam Deck (and Lenovo Legion Go S, for that matter). Moreover, there are also talks of a SteamVR Link Wireless Dongle on Reddit to wirelessly connect the Steam Frame to a PC to allow for higher-quality VR gaming.

Valve's Steam Frame could be like a premium version of the Meta Quest 3, but with more gaming-centric features, unlike the Meta Quest Pro. If that's the case, we would expect a higher 1440p resolution (given the Quest 3S is a higher resolution than Index), faster 120Hz refresh rate and smaller, more ergonomic controllers.

Speaking of, we've seen leaked details on the tipped Roy VR controllers, and reliable tipster SadlyItsBradley on X showed renders of what they will look like. Apparently, the Roy controllers may have a full gamepad's worth of buttons. That includes a Dpad, bumpers, triggers, grip buttons, ABXY buttons and system button, along with "some sort of strap." This hints at a device that you can use as a normal controller when not in VR.

But there's another piece to the puzzle: Valve's rumored Steam Console. Codenamed "Fremont," there's reason to believe the VR headset could launch alongside the home console, with the two devices being able to connect. This would be an interesting twist, but this is purely speculation.

In any case, with Valve trademaking new hardware called "Steam Frame," and SadlyItsBradley confirming that Valve is "rebranding SteamVR 'Overlays' to 'Frames,'" it's clear that this "Frame" will be linked to VR in some manner.

Otherwise, we'll have to wait and see what Valve's next VR headset can do once the company (finally) announces its expected device.

Valve Steam Frame: Worth the wait?

It's been six years since we've seen a new VR headset from Valve, with the Index launching in 2019. That's left a lot of breathing space for VR to grow, with the Meta Quest 3 leading the charge. If Valve's latest products are anything to go by, with the success of the Steam Deck and SteamOS on some of the best handheld gaming consoles, the Steam Frame is sure to impress.

We hope to see a launch very soon, especially as rumors point to a fall 2025 release at the earliest. I'll be keeping track of the latest rumors and news on Valve's rumored VR headset, so stay tuned for more up-to-date details.

In the meantime, find out the latest on another rumored VR headset, the Meta Quest 4, and what Valve may be planning for the Steam Deck 2.

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