Steam Frame orders finally live

After a memory-related delay, Valve is taking orders for its Steam Frame VR headset today. The 256GB model costs $1,059, while the 1TB version is $1,299.

Waitlist system stops resellers

To prevent bots and resellers, Valve is using a randomized waitlist. Selected buyers get an email today with a 72-hour window to complete their purchase.

“You'll then have 72 hours to complete the purchase before we cancel your reservation and move on to the next person in the queue.”

Global availability with regional partners

The Steam Frame will be available on the Steam store in the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia. Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong customers can buy through Valve's partner Komodo.

Plays VR and regular games

The Steam Frame works for both VR titles and traditional PC games through streaming. Over 100 games are already verified for standalone play on the headset.

“Designed for streaming, it can handle your entire Steam library. And it supports standalone play too, with over 100 games (and growing) already Steam Frame Standalone Verified.”

Advanced specs, no external sensors

The headset features a 4-nanometer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, 16GB of RAM, and dual 2,160-by-2,160 LCDs with 72-144Hz refresh rates. It uses inside-out tracking instead of external sensors.

Reviews praise versatility, flag battery

IGN called it one of the first VR headsets that works well for both standalone gaming and streaming PC games. However, both IGN and CNET noted the short battery life as a significant weakness.

“The Steam Frame is probably one of the first VR headsets that can do everything right out of the box, from standalone gaming to streaming 2D games from your PC.”