- Valve is reportedly launching a virtual reality headset called Steam Frame soon
- Analysts have said that the mysterious headphones have entered mass production.
- Leaked specs show a more powerful headset than the Meta Quest 3
While there are plenty of rumors about the (likely) incoming Samsung Moohan headset (the first, and first overall, Android XR device to be released to the public), there is another VR headset we could soon see from another familiar tech face: Valve.
The so-called Steam Frame has been the subject of much ridicule for leaks and speculation just like Samsung's Moohan. It was even widely believed to have launched at an event in September that never materialized (again like Moohan), and is also believed to land sometime before the end of 2025.
However, unlike Samsung's headphones, Valve has been much more secretive about this device, but analyst signatures and leaks have given us some details.
The first is an expected release date this year, and the latest reports (via UploadVR) say that the headphones have entered mass production. This follows a trademark application last month for a device called 'Steam Frame'; Valve typically only files trademarks shortly before the product is released.
As for the device itself, what we know is based on Valve's own comments in an interview with Tested. Virtual reality was mentioned during the talk and Valve hardware engineer Yazan Aldehayyat and product designer Lawrence Yang hinted that the lessons from Steam Deck would apply to future hardware efforts, clearly suggesting a wireless rather than tethered approach for Steam Frame.
This is further supported by leaked specifications from SadlyItsBradley (a generally reliable source for VR leaks) that the headset will feature a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which you would only need if it were a standalone device.
He says this chipset would have a GPU that's a generation newer than what the XR2 Gen 2 boasts, suggesting Valve's headset will have at least a slight technical advantage over the Meta Quest 3.
I expect that advantage to be more than slight, however, as according to Valve leaker Gabe Follower, the device will cost $1,200 (around £900 / AU$1,850), which is more than double the price of a Meta Quest 3.
We'll have to wait and see what Valve comes up with when it's ready to announce its next hardware. Even if it doesn't make it this side of 2026, multiple signs point to an imminent reveal and release of Frame, so we're keeping an eye out for any kind of teaser or announcement from Valve.
When you have something to share, we'll be sure to let you know.
