Valve launches Steam Frame VR headset with native Half-Life: Alyx support

Valve has officially launched the Steam Frame, a premium wireless VR headset designed for both standalone play and PC streaming. The device features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, 16GB of RAM, and eye-tracking technology. It is available in two configurations: a 256GB model priced at approximately €1,049 and a 1TB model for €1,279.

A key strategic decision for the hardware is the inclusion of Half-Life: Alyx as a native standalone experience. Valve engineers noted that using this established title serves as a critical quality test for the headset's software and driver stack. To support Android game compatibility on the Linux-based SteamOS, Valve has also open-sourced Lepton, a compatibility layer designed to help developers bring mobile VR titles to the device.

Early reviews present a mixed reception. While the headset is praised for its exceptional ergonomics and comfort—partially due to a battery-weighted head strap—it faces significant criticism regarding battery life, which reportedly lasts between one and two hours. Some critics also noted high pricing and mediocre build quality compared to competitors like the Meta Quest 3. Despite these concerns, the device is positioned as a high-end tool for power users and PCVR enthusiasts.