Valve's latest virtual reality hardware, the Steam Frame, will launch in Australia with a starting price of AU$1,609 for the 256 GB model, and AU$1,969 for the 1 TB version, both including VR controllers. This pricing positions the entry-level model at the same cost as the original Steam Machine.
Adding to the cost and availability challenges is the ongoing global memory crisis, which Valve stated they would have preferred to mitigate. This shortage has also necessitated a waitlist system for potential buyers. A reservation lottery is currently active until September 18, 2026, at 3 AM AEST. Those who enter the lottery during this period will have a chance to receive a unit sooner. After the lottery period concludes, a standard queue will be implemented, meaning that purchase times will be dictated by order of entry.
PC Gamer's hardware team has begun testing the Steam Frame, with early impressions noting its high quality. In a review, Jacob Ridley awarded the device an 80 out of 100, describing it as the "best all-round VR headset I've used to date." However, he also acknowledged that it faces stiff competition from more affordable alternatives like the Quest 3, making it a potentially difficult purchase for those new to VR or looking for an upgrade.