The recently released Steam Frame VR headset, now retailing at $1,059, was likely intended to launch at a lower price point of approximately $750, according to Valve engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais. This projected original price is inferred by comparing the headset's current cost to price increases seen with the Steam Deck and the earlier Steam Machine.
The Steam Deck experienced a substantial price hike in May, rising from $549 to $789, a 43% increase or $240. Applying a similar percentage increase to the estimated $750 original target for the Steam Frame suggests that current hardware costs, particularly for memory and the integrated Qualcomm chip, have added around $310 to its price.
While this calculation is an approximation, a $750 price point would have made the Steam Frame a more competitive offering, especially considering the Meta Quest 3 currently starts at $499. Despite its higher cost, the Steam Frame remains less expensive than some other high-end PCVR headsets, such as the Samsung Galaxy XR, which retails for $1,899 but features a comparable SoC and RAM configuration alongside OLED optics.
Valve is not alone in facing increased hardware prices. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X have also seen significant price adjustments this year. The broader trend affects PC components as well, with graphics cards, SSDs, and RAM all experiencing price increases. Projections indicate these elevated prices are unlikely to subside soon, as memory manufacturing capacity for the upcoming year is reportedly already sold out, with significant demand from AI hyperscalers.