Signs point to an imminent release for Valve's Steam Frame, its unreleased VR hardware. A new category titled 'Great on Frame' has appeared on the Steam store, mirroring the functionality of the 'Great on Deck' tag used for the Steam Deck handheld. The collection currently features four titles: Portal 2, Into Black, Aperture Hand Lab, and The Lab.
The inclusion of Into Black, a title not published by Valve, suggests the company is engaging with third-party developers for its VR platform. While the category is currently sparse, its existence indicates Valve is preparing content for the device.
Valve confirmed a Summer release window for the Steam Frame earlier this year. In recent months, packages totaling 32,000 kg have begun arriving in the United States, further supporting the likelihood of an upcoming launch rather than test units.
Steam Frame Technology
The Steam Frame aims for an immersive VR experience with several key features. It offers wireless connectivity via a dedicated antenna that receives a direct signal from a PC connector, designed to minimize interference. Additionally, the headset incorporates foveated streaming, a technology that intelligently allocates bandwidth to the user's field of vision for improved performance.
While the 'Great on Frame' tag indicates games are verified to work well, it does not exclusively confirm VR functionality. The headset is also capable of playing traditional 2D games, and the category may signify compatibility with this mode as well.
Pricing and Release Window
Although Valve has not officially announced a price point or exact release date, the ongoing developments suggest that information will be forthcoming in the coming weeks. The inclusion of 16 GB of LPDDR5X memory, coupled with other advanced components and the current memory market conditions, raises expectations for a potentially high price tag. Valve's business model, unlike that of console manufacturers, does not typically involve subsidizing hardware production costs.