VALVE PRICES STEAM FRAME VR HEADSET FROM $1,059

Valve has announced pricing for its Steam Frame virtual reality headset, which will start at $1,059 for a 256GB model and rise to $1,299 for a 1TB version, according to the company. Both configurations include controllers and a copy of Half-Life: Alyx, Valve's 2020 VR game, which the company has rebuilt to run natively on the headset as well as via streaming from a PC. In the UK, the 256GB model is listed at £889 and the 1TB model at £1,089. The headset can run flat and VR games locally and can also stream games from a connected computer. Valve has not yet opened general sales, instead requiring prospective buyers to register interest first.

Customers can sign up for their preferred configuration until 10am Pacific time on 17 September, after which Valve will run a randomised selection process to determine order priority, mirroring the waitlist system it used for its Steam Machine console. Those selected will be notified by email and should be able to purchase from 18 September, while others will be placed on a waitlist and told when supply allows a purchase. Valve is also offering optional accessories, including a $29 power supply, a $49 replacement kit for gaskets and cushions, and a $59 ergonomic accessories kit, according to one report. Prescription lenses from Zenni Optical and an RGB camera from Arcturus are planned but not yet priced.

Valve has also detailed software updates made since the headset's review period, including growth in standalone verified titles to 130 and a new Gamepad mode for 2D games within its unified dashboard, one report said. The company has said it improved multi-link streaming, input focus, depth projection and visual sharpness ahead of launch. Valve had previously doubted it could adapt Half-Life: Alyx to run on the standalone headset before completing the port. The reservation and lottery process is set to begin determining buyer access from 18 September.