Steam Frame VR Headset Starts at US$1,059

What Is the Steam Frame VR Headset?

The Steam Frame is a wireless virtual reality headset developed and manufactured by Valve Corporation, the digital game distributor behind the Steam platform. It is designed to provide high-end VR gaming with built-in tracking, standalone processing, and compatibility with SteamOS. The device is available in two storage configurations and begins at US$1,059 (~RM4,312).

Valve officially unveiled the Steam Frame's pricing in September 2026, offering two SKUs with different memory configurations: 256GB and 1TB. The 256GB model retails at US$1,059, while the 1TB model retails for US$1,299 (~RM5,289). The headset's specifications remain uniform across both models. According to Valve, the Steam Frame is available for preorder starting 14 September 2026, with the order list closing on 17 September 2026, and selected users will be notified via email within a day of ordering.

The Steam Frame is Valve's wireless VR headset and controller package, starting at US$1,059 for the 256GB model and US$1,299 for the 1TB model, with identical internal specifications across both SKUs.

Key Facts

The following table summarizes the official specifications and pricing for the Steam Frame VR headset as announced by Valve. All data is drawn directly from Valve’s official product listing and the Videocardz report.

Valve's official specs sheet confirms the Steam Frame integrates a Snapdragon 8 Gen3 SoC with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 21.6Wh battery, while including a microSD card slot for expansion.

How Much Does the Steam Frame Cost?

The Steam Frame VR headset officially starts at US$1,059 (~RM4,312) for the 256GB model, while the 1TB model retails for US$1,299 (~RM5,289). These are the only two SKUs available, and all other specifications remain uniform between them.

Valve is also selling optional accessories separately. A dedicated charging adapter costs US$29 (~RM118), the Ergonomic Accessories Kit costs US$59 (~RM240) and includes two controller hand straps, a headset top strap, and an extended light blocker. An Accessory Replacement Kit retails for US$49 (~RM199) and includes a face gasket, head cushion, and a standard light blocker.

The Steam Frame's entry price is US$1,059 for the 256GB variant, with the 1TB variant costing US$1,299, while dedicated accessories like the charging adapter are sold separately for US$29.

What Are the Steam Frame's Core Specifications?

The Steam Frame is powered by the older Snapdragon 8 Gen3 SoC and has 16GB of Unified LPDDR5X RAM, with a 21.6Wh built-in battery. The visual output is delivered through two 2,160 x 2,160 LCD screens, one per eye, with a variable refresh rate between 72Hz and 144Hz, though Valve notes that the 144Hz mark is "experimental."

Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. The headset features inside-out camera tracking, while the bundled Steam Controllers come with full 6-DOF tracking. The device runs on SteamOS 3. Notably, Valve does not include a dedicated power adapter with the Steam Frame, stating that any adapter with an output of 45W or higher will be sufficient to recharge the headset, such as a Steam Deck charger.

The Steam Frame uses dual 2,160 x 2,160 LCD displays with a variable 72Hz to 144Hz refresh rate, powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen3 SoC and 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM.

What Comes in the Box?

The Steam Frame package includes the wireless VR headset, two bundled Steam Controllers with full 6-DOF tracking, and a copy of Half-Life: Alyx. However, a dedicated power adapter is not included in the box.

Valve says that any USB power adapter with an output of 45W or higher will work for charging. The company also lists optional accessory kits separately. Preorders for the headset opened on 14 September 2026 and close on 17 September 2026. Valve's official tweet regarding the launch states: "Steam Frame is here! Our wireless VR headset + controllers, available now in the following models: Steam Frame 256GB, Steam Frame 1TB."

"Steam Frame is here! Our wireless VR headset + controllers, available now in the following models: Steam Frame 256GB, Steam Frame 1TB."

— Valve via X (Twitter), 14 September 2026

The Steam Frame comes with the headset, two Steam Controllers with 6-DOF tracking, and the game Half-Life: Alyx, but requires users to provide their own 45W or higher power adapter.

Who Is This For?

The Steam Frame is targeted at PC VR enthusiasts and Steam ecosystem users who want a wireless, standalone headset with high-resolution displays. However, its pricing and availability limit its immediate audience to regions where Valve directly ships hardware.

Valve's hardware, including the Steam Deck, Steam Controller, and Steam Machine, has historically not been officially available in Malaysia, and the Steam Frame follows that trend. Local availability is expected only through the grey market, where prices will likely exceed official MSRP. The source notes that local retailer Impulse Gaming sells the Steam Controller for more than double its original value, suggesting similar markups for the Steam Frame. The device is best suited for early adopters in supported regions who do not mind the experimental 144Hz mode or the absence of a bundled charger.

The Steam Frame is designed for VR gamers who are already invested in the Steam ecosystem, but it is not officially available in Malaysia and will initially only be accessible via grey market importers at higher prices.

Extras and Accessories

Valve is offering several optional extras for the Steam Frame, but a power adapter is not included as standard. Users can purchase a dedicated charging adapter separately for US$29 (~RM118).

Two accessory kits are also available. The Ergonomic Accessories Kit costs US$59 (~RM240) and includes two controller hand straps, a headset top strap, and an extended light blocker. The Accessory Replacement Kit retails for US$49 (~RM199) and includes a face gasket, head cushion, and a standard light blocker.

Accessories for the Steam Frame are sold separately, with the Ergonomic Accessories Kit priced at US$59 and the Accessory Replacement Kit priced at US$49, while the dedicated charger costs US$29.

Common Questions

Why is the Steam Frame not available in Malaysia?

Valve does not offer its hardware, including the Steam Frame, in Malaysia. The official preorder process excludes the region, so local users cannot order it directly from Valve. The device is expected to reach Malaysia only through grey market retailers, who typically sell it at higher prices than the official US$1,059 MSRP.

Can I use a Steam Deck charger with the Steam Frame?

Yes, Valve has confirmed that any power adapter with an output of 45W or higher is sufficient to recharge the Steam Frame. This includes the charger that comes with the Steam Deck, so users do not necessarily need to purchase the optional US$29 dedicated adapter.

What is the refresh rate of the Steam Frame?

The Steam Frame features two 2,160 x 2,160 LCD screens with a variable refresh rate between 72Hz and 144Hz. Valve explicitly marks the 144Hz setting as "experimental," meaning it is not guaranteed to be stable across all applications or games.

Sources and Methodology

This article is entirely based on the original reporting by Lowyat.NET, which sourced its information from Valve's official Steam Store listing and Videocardz. Direct data points, including pricing, specifications, and release dates, were extracted from the provided source material. Currency conversions were preserved as reported in the original article (US$1,059 ~ RM4,312; US$1,299 ~ RM5,289).

The primary sources for this article are the official Steam Store page for the Steam Frame and the Videocardz report, as referenced in the original Lowyat.NET article. No additional external sources were used. This article was last updated on 14 September 2026.