An early hands on video for Valve’s Steam Frame has revealed several new details about the upcoming headset, including a $60 accessory kit, unfinished Steam Machine streaming support and work on a native version of Half Life Alyx that can run directly on the device.
The video was briefly published before being made private, but copies were archived and shared online. It provides one of the clearest looks yet at how Valve is positioning Steam Frame ahead of launch.
The headset’s final price is still unknown.
| Detail | Steam Frame |
|---|---|
| Main processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| Operating system | SteamOS |
| Optional accessory kit | $60 |
| Wireless support | Dedicated 6 GHz adapter |
| Controller battery | One AA battery per controller |
| Claimed controller battery life | Around 40 hours |
| Native Half Life Alyx build | In development |
| Steam Machine streaming | Not ready on tested software |
| Main headset price | Not announced |
Valve is preparing a $60 ergonomic accessory kit
One of the clearest new details concerns Valve’s optional Ergonomic Accessories Kit.
The package is expected to cost $60 and includes a top strap for the headset, controller hand straps and a smaller nose piece that also helps block outside light.
Valve had already shown these accessories in earlier setup material, but the leaked hands on video appears to be the first time a price has been attached to the bundle.
The accessories are separate from the main Steam Frame package, whose retail price has yet to be disclosed.
Steam Machine streaming was not ready
The tested Steam Frame unit could not stream directly from Steam Machine using the software installed on the review hardware.
Valve was reportedly still working on that feature, so the demonstration instead used a Windows PC as the source system.
Steam Frame includes its own dedicated 6 GHz wireless adapter. The headset can also connect through an existing 6 GHz WiFi network.
Valve is additionally developing a mode that combines the dedicated adapter with the home network, which could help improve flexibility in different setups.
During testing, Half Life Alyx was streamed wirelessly while the player moved much farther than would normally be practical with a wired VR headset. No obvious reduction in visual quality was reported during that test.
Half Life Alyx may run directly on Steam Frame
The more significant software detail is that Valve is reportedly preparing a standalone version of Half Life Alyx.
Instead of streaming the game from another PC, this build would run directly on Steam Frame.
The headset uses a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 ARM processor and SteamOS. It can run x86 software through FEX translation, while Valve also supports native ARM64 applications.
A native build of Half Life Alyx could therefore avoid some of the overhead associated with translating a traditional x86 PC version.
Previous backend references have also suggested that Half Life Alyx could play an important role in Steam Frame’s launch, although a free copy bundled with the headset has not been officially confirmed.
Display quality received mostly positive feedback
The headset’s display was described as sharp during the early hands on session.
Some color fringing was reportedly visible near the outer edges of the optics, which suggests the visual experience may vary depending on where you are looking through the lenses.
The controllers use one AA battery each. Valve is claiming approximately 40 hours of battery life per controller, which would reduce the need for frequent battery changes during normal use.
The leaked footage gives Steam Frame a clearer shape as a product, but several important details remain unresolved. Valve has not announced the headset’s final price, and some software features are still under development.
The reported native version of Half Life Alyx is the most notable development because it shows Valve is working toward making Steam Frame more capable as a standalone device rather than relying entirely on another PC for demanding VR games.
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