Valve has officially discontinued its Index VR kit, marking the end of an era for the company's high-end virtual reality hardware. A 20% discount is now available on the headset and controllers to clear out remaining inventory.
This move comes as Valve shifts its focus to the newly released Steam Frame, a more versatile VR device. Despite initial production challenges that led to a price hike for the Frame, demand remains high, with pre-orders now stretching into 2027. The current discount on the Index does little to change its overall cost, as purchasing the complete Index kit, including the headset, controllers, and essential base stations, still amounts to £1,027. This price point exceeds that of the entry-level Steam Frame and is higher than the original launch price of the full Index kit.
The Valve Index, launched in 2019, was notable for its advancements in VR technology, particularly its introduction of individual finger tracking. This feature allowed for more nuanced player expression in games like Half-Life: Alyx, enabling actions such as giving a thumbs-up or performing finger guns, which became a signature element for many players.
While the VR landscape has evolved, with competitors like the Meta Quest 3 offering basic gesture control and the Steam Frame featuring its own finger sensors, the Index's controllers set a benchmark for individual finger tracking accuracy. Although the Steam Frame represents a move away from the lighthouse tracking systems and cables associated with the Index, the legacy of the Index's precise finger articulation will likely influence future VR hardware.