- 100% wireless VR headset with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and SteamOS 3
- 2160×2160 LCD screens per eye, pancake lenses and up to 144 Hz (experimental)
- Streaming foved and dedicated 6 GHz link with included adapter
- Arrival in early 2026; no confirmed price for Spain and Europe
Valve has made it official Steam Frame, a viewer virtual reality completely without cables which combines native execution and game streaming with the library of SteamThe device focuses on Pancake lenses2160x2160 LCD screens per eye and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip to run applications locally, with a planned launch at the beginning of 2026 and price not yet revealed.
The system works on Steam OS 3 and does away with DisplayPort or HDMI inputs; the entire experience is based on wireless connectivityValve will also launch the label Steam Frame Verified to indicate the compatibility level of the games, both in virtual reality and in flat use such as a "cinema screen".
What does Steam Frame offer and how do you use it?
The viewer allows you to switch between titles of Native VR and conventional games presented on a virtual flat surface, designed for those seeking comfortable sessions without relying on a physical monitor. This dual approach expands the device's use beyond purely immersive experiences.
For PC gaming, it incorporates an architecture with two wireless receivers in the helmet and an adapter USB 6 GHz included. One of the radios maintains the connection to your home network (5 GHz or general-purpose Wi-Fi) and the other creates a dedicated low-latency link with the computer at 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6E), prioritizing stability and bandwidth for video and audio.
When used autonomously, the Snapdragon 8 Gen3 Along with 16 GB of RAM, it allows you to run compatible applications and games directly on the headset. storage It's UFS with options for 256GB or 1TB, expandable via microSD slot for those who need more space.
The design is modular and includes third-party accessories: the “main module” can be detached from the strap, and a expansion port It opens the door to future add-ons such as color cameras or depth sensors, catering to creative or professional uses.
Key specs
The optical and display aspects focus on clarity and refresh rate, with Pancake lenses for a more compact viewfinder and high-density panels per eye. Ergonomically, the weight is balanced with the battery at the rear for improved comfort.
- Screens: LCD 2160×2160 per eye72–120 Hz and experimental mode of 144 Hz
- Optics: Pancake lenses, FOV of ~110° and IPD adjustable from 60–70 mm
- Follow-up: inside out with 4 external and 2 internal cameras for eye tracking
- Illuminators: IR to improve tracking in low-light environments
- Processor and memory: Snapdragon 8 Gen3 + 16 GB LPDDR5X
- Storage: UFS 256GB / 1TB + microSD slot
- Battery: 21,6 Wh on the back of the strap
- Weight: 440 g (main module 185 g + strap with battery)
- Headset connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 (2×2) and Bluetooth 5.3
- PC adapter: Wi-Fi 6E (6 GHz) included for low-latency direct link
The new Frame Controllers combine traditional and VR inputs: TMR sticks (magnetic) for greater precision, ABXY, D-Pad, analog triggers, haptics, and capacitive finger sensors. Each controller uses one AA battery with approximately 40h of autonomy, and there is compatibility with the new Steam Controller if a classic scheme is preferred.
Connectivity, foved streaming, and latency
Valve introduces a system of pitted transmission that leverages eye-tracking data to prioritize pixels of the area you're looking at, reducing the effective bandwidth and increasing sharpness where it matters. This technique is applied to wireless streaming of games, with the aim of a smooth and stable experience.
The 6 GHz USB adapter creates a direct channel with the visor, while the helmet's second receiver can stay connected to your Wi-Fi from home. This dual-path system prevents general traffic from competing with low-latency video, which in practice translates to fewer interruptions and artifacts during gameplay.
In Europe, the band of 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6E) and the rollout of Wi-Fi 7 are already underway, facilitating the use of the dedicated link in Spain and other countries within the European Union. Valve does not envision a wired alternative for video: the Steam Frame proposal is, by design, 100% wireless.
Catalog, verification and ecosystem
Along with the visor, Valve will deploy the seal Steam Frame Verified to report on the behavior of Steam titles, whether they run natively or require streaming from the PC. There will also be a modemovie screen"to enjoy non-VR games in a flat virtual environment."
The company maintains its open platform approach with Steam OS 3including features such as suspend and resume, cloud saving, and the powerful input mapping system Steam InputValve is also working on improving compatibility through Proton and associated technologies to expand the scope of the catalog.
Steam Frame is coming at the beginning of 2026 and will be sold through the Steam store. Valve has not made the pricenor the final packages that will accompany the viewer at launch. Distribution is expected in the platform's usual European markets, including Spain, following the direct sales model applied to other products of the brand.
The roadmap focuses on an ecosystem consistent with Steam deck and future devices from the company, so that the viewer can be complemented with hardware from Valve or third parties and leverage the existing library with minimal friction.
With a wireless approach, compact optics, and a clear emphasis on the pitted transmissionSteam Frame is positioned as Valve's bet to bring VR to the PC audience in Europe, maintaining its open philosophy and taking care of the catalog's compatibility while outlining the commercial details of its launch.
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