Valve tests new hardware configurations for Steam Frame VR headset

Valve is reportedly testing new hardware configurations for its recently released Steam Frame virtual reality headset. Discoveries within the Linux kernel source code reveal prototypes under the codename ‘Plano,’ which may feature high-definition displays. Some mentioned panels could reach resolutions of 3,552 × 3,840 pixels per eye, a significant increase over the current 2,160 × 2,160 resolution. While the code includes references to ‘deckard-oled,’ it remains unconfirmed if these panels will utilize OLED technology.

The prototypes may utilize the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, suggesting a strategy similar to the Steam Deck OLED: improving contrast and perceived sharpness through upscaling rather than native high-resolution rendering to manage graphical load.

The current Steam Frame headset is priced between $1,059 and nearly $1,300 depending on storage capacity. The device features foveated rendering, an optimization technique that tracks eye movement to render the center of vision at higher quality, improving overall system performance.