Valve has finally pulled back the curtain on the Steam Frame, revealing a premium price tag that may give some potential buyers pause. Contrary to early hopes for a more accessible entry point, the new hardware arrives with a cost that exceeds its predecessor, the Valve Index, in the United States. The base model featuring 256GB of storage starts at 1059 dollars in the US and 1049 euros in Europe, though British consumers will find it slightly more affordable relative to the Index at 889 pounds. For those needing more space, a 1TB version is available for 1299 dollars, 1089 pounds, or 1279 euros.
To sweeten the deal, each unit comes bundled with a copy of Half-Life: Alyx, which has been specifically rebuilt as a native application to run on the Frame’s ARM processor. While players still have the option to stream the game from a PC, existing owners of Alyx won’t be able to claim extra copies for friends through this bundle. It is also worth noting that while promotional images showcased a striking transparent design, both retail models will arrive in standard black. Additional optional extras include various charging cables and ergonomic kits ranging from roughly 30 to 60 dollars depending on the region.
Securing a unit requires navigating a system reminiscent of the old Steam Machine launches. Interested customers must register their preference by September 17th to participate in a randomization process. Following this cutoff, users will be notified via email whether they have landed in a priority reservation queue—with fulfillment expected by the end of the year—or if they have been placed on a general waiting list. Those who sign up after mid-September will simply be added to the bottom of that list. When your turn eventually arrives, you will have just three days to complete your purchase before losing your spot.
While Valve expresses confidence in its current stock levels and believes most eager fans will get their hands on one quickly, the four figure starting price reflects the rising costs of modern high performance components. With integrated features like 16GB of RAM helping drive up production expenses in an AI dominated market, the Steam Frame positions itself firmly as a luxury piece of gear rather than a mass market gadget. First purchase notifications are scheduled to begin rolling out on September 18th.
