this post was submitted on 12 Nov 2025
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Virtual Reality

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Virtual Reality - Quest, PCVR, PSVR2, Pico, Mixed Reality, ect. Open discussion of all VR platforms, games, and apps.

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Steam Frame Is Real (store.steampowered.com)
submitted 1 week ago by MyOpinion@lemmy.today to c/virtualreality@lemmy.world
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Headset Tech Specs*

General

Processor

4 nm Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Architecture: ARM64

RAM

16GB Unified LPDDR5X RAM

Storage

256GB / 1TB UFS storage options

microSD card slot for expanded storage

Power

Rechargeable 21.6 Wh Li-ion battery

One USB-C 2.0 port in the rear, for charging and data

Charge with USB-C, 45W

Modular Headstrap

Headstrap includes integrated dual audio drivers and and rechargeable battery on rear. Headstrap weight: 245g

Core module can be separated from headstrap, for other headstrap solutions.

Display and Optics

Display

2160 x 2160 LCD (per eye)

72-144Hz refresh rate (144Hz experimental)

Optics

Custom pancake lenses Glass and non-glass optical elements Large FOV (up to 110 degrees)

IPD target range

60mm - 70mm

Eye glasses max width

140mm

Cameras and Tracking

Tracking

Inside-out camera based tracking

Cameras

4x outward facing monochrome cameras for controller and headset tracking

2x interior cameras for eye tracking and foveated streaming

Passthrough

Monochrome passthrough via outward facing cameras

Low-light support

IR illuminators for tracking and passthrough in dark environments

Expansion

User accessible front expansion port

Dual high speed camera interface (8 lanes @ 2.5Gbps MIPI) / PCIe Gen 4 interface (1-lane)

Connectivity

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi 7, 2x2

Dual radios enable concurrent 5Ghz Wi-Fi and 6Ghz VR streaming

Wireless Adapter

Wireless adapter included in the box

Wi-Fi 6E (6GHz)

Provides direct, low-latency link between headset and PC

Bluetooth

Bluetooth 5.3

Audio

Speakers

Dual speaker drivers per ear, integrated into headstrap

Microphone

Dual microphone array

Size and Weight

Size

175mm x 95mm x 110mm (core module + facial interface)

Weight

440 g - core module + headstrap

185 g - core module

Software

Operating System

SteamOS 3 (Arch-based)

Desktop

KDE Plasma

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[–] killwill@feddit.nl 2 points 6 days ago

I just hope the focal distance is like the vive so I won't need my glasses :(

[–] kratoz29@lemmy.zip 2 points 6 days ago (1 children)

So, how good is this hardware to run standalone games? (Native gaming).

[–] Hazzard@lemmy.zip 4 points 6 days ago

Sounds like it should be a little stronger than Quest 3. That'll partly depend on how the ARM translation layer performs, but valve has certainly earned some trust there with how excellent Proton is in that department.

[–] sbeak@sopuli.xyz 3 points 1 week ago

ARM Linux running x86 Windows VR games? Very cool. The "foveated streaming" also sounds super cool. Looks like it will work as a standalone headset as well as when connected to a PC. microSD slot is a neat addition.

[–] dual_sport_dork@lemmy.world 29 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Inside. Out. Muthafuckin'. Tracking.

Finally. You know how like 50% of my posts in this sub are just me bitching about tracking towers? Christ. GabeN, my face is ready. Where do I stick my credit card?

I kind of disagree with their constant reference to wireless connectivity in a PCVR context as "streaming," but I guess we need to pander to the lowest common denominator or no one will get it.

[–] Rai@lemmy.dbzer0.com 4 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I hope they still work with lighthouses. Inside-out tracking is much worse than lighthouse tracking. Having the option would be nice.

[–] Flatfire@lemmy.ca 6 points 1 week ago (1 children)

It's confirmed they don't

[–] Rai@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Booooooooooooo

[–] dual_sport_dork@lemmy.world 2 points 6 days ago (1 children)

You can mix controllers and headsets in SteamVR, right? At least if you're tethered or "streaming" or whatever from Steam on PC, I imagine you could use this plus an existing pair of lighthouse driven controllers if you really wanted to. If you can't out of the box, I expect it to take about twelve seconds for motivated nerds to figure out how to force it into happening.

I obviously wouldn't hold your breath for that being a thing when you're using it as a standalone device.

[–] Natanael@infosec.pub 1 points 6 days ago

You also need calibrated sensors and antennas to track the beacons, but OTOH it does have extension ports

[–] DarrinBrunner@lemmy.world 15 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (2 children)

This might become my first headset. But, it needs to have the option to add prescription lenses, I don't want to wear glasses inside the headset.

EDIT: They're "working on it", Tested video: https://youtu.be/b7q2CS8HDHU?t=2454

[–] paraphrand@lemmy.world 4 points 1 week ago* (last edited 6 days ago)

Third parties do a good job of making prescription inserts for a headsets that don’t have them.

Edit: in the Tested video, they say they are working on prescription inserts, and showed them.

Edit 2: I now see you made an edit before me. 😅

[–] Sterile_Technique@lemmy.world 3 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Idk how much wiggle room there is inside the headset (guessing not much) but look into respirator prescription glasses inserts - might be able to find one that fits.

[–] Rooster326@programming.dev 1 points 1 week ago

You really don't want to scratch the lenses on a VR headset it will drive you crazy.

[–] commander@lemmy.world 11 points 1 week ago

I think it's pretty good. Pushes forward ARM support for Steam and possibly better Qualcomm support for Linux in general. Another test platform for FEX and box64 developers. Another platform for Linux to chip away towards being a mainstream software platform. A hopefully price competitive VR headset against the Meta Quest 3 and preventing VR being so intertwined with Meta/Android/Apple. Regular Linux ecosystem now has a solid platform to keep up with the more controlled and/or proprietary operating systems

[–] lung@lemmy.world 10 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Eyyyy SteamOS, Arch + KDE. This looks like a great product. ETA: 2037

[–] OboTheHobo@ttrpg.network 2 points 6 days ago

Apparently its shipping early next year actually. Based on earlier leaks though this has been in development more or less since the index.

[–] Lembot_0005@lemy.lol 8 points 1 week ago (2 children)

The most important question is about tivoisation and other limits. Meta's Quest, for example, is a pain in the ass, even in the matter of file access.

[–] dual_sport_dork@lemmy.world 19 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (3 children)

Considering it's stated to run SteamOS, I think this is destined to be considerably less limited than other all-in-one devices. We won't know for sure until we have it in our grubby little hands, of course, but I'm remaining cautiously optimistic.

For my own personal use case, I kind of don't care. As long as I can use it in perpetuity as a competent PCVR headset tethered to my exiting fire-breathing PC, wireless or otherwise, I'm good. I think a much better metric will be whether or not this magically becomes a useless brick the instant its backing company loses interest in it and rugpulls all the existing users, like the WMR headsets. Or the first gen Vive Focus or whatever it was called. Or the Quest 2 any day now. Etc., etc. I think Valve has (or will have, hopefully) a better track record than most in that regard.

[–] OboTheHobo@ttrpg.network 2 points 6 days ago

Theyre describing it as a small linux PC, which makes me hopeful. And given that its running SteamOS, I imagine it will be a very similar experience to the steam deck, with a streamlined main interface all in steam but the option to dive in deeper and customize the OS more.

[–] poVoq@slrpnk.net 7 points 1 week ago

This is really the best news announced today: Native Linux on the Steam Frame (and not Android)! The open-source x86 on ARM emus are good enough for gaming, so that should be fine for legacy VR titles.

[–] FartMaster69@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 1 week ago

WMR headsets can still be used, though admittedly requiring third party software.

[–] Natanael@slrpnk.net 4 points 1 week ago

I'm not concerned about the core OS. The driver situation is moderately uncertain (a whole lot of components that could have open source drivers, but which ALL need to be configured just right to work well). It's certain stuff on top, especially Steam Input for handling inputs, which I'm concerned about. Removing all proprietary code would probably leave it usable but very inconvenient to use.

[–] DoucheBagMcSwag@lemmy.dbzer0.com 7 points 1 week ago

And they called us madmen for believing in Deckard

[–] guynamedzero@piefed.zeromedia.vip 6 points 1 week ago

If this has like, perfect native Linux streaming, I’ll buy it in a heartbeat

[–] twinnie@feddit.uk 4 points 1 week ago (1 children)

All looks great but I’m curious about the controllers. I thought the Index controllers were supposed to be great but these look like the Oculus Rift 1 controllers.

[–] Rooster326@programming.dev 2 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (3 children)

Sacrifices were likely made for price point but also durability.

The knuckles are incredibly fragile controllers. I don't know anyone who has a set for over 6 months without some weird quirk, or lost functionality in at least one of them

[–] OboTheHobo@ttrpg.network 4 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago)

Honestly, I don't really think there were sacrifices. They seem like just an upgrade to me.

  • split gamepad button layout allows playing any game that can be played with a gamepad
  • thumbsticks now magnetic, so drift should be a thing of the past (or at least, they will last far longer, index controllers had a big drift issue)
  • still has individual finger tracking
  • optional straps allow you to fully let go of the controller if you want the knuckles style

No more trackpads I guess, but I didnt like those much either, most games just treat them as a single button or maybe two and we got two more buttons on each controller in their place.

[–] Rai@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I’ve had my index since 2020, and my knucks work perfectly! I take good care of my expensive shit, though.

[–] Rooster326@programming.dev 3 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

I mean so do I?

I had 2 defects in the first year. I know 3 other people who bought indexes. All 3 had at least 1 defect that got them a full replacement of a controller within the first year of ownership.

It's 5 years later and the battery which is not replaceable lasts about 5 minutes, so I have to always have an external pack. One controller it doesn't detect all my fingers so I drop stuff unless I use the hard grab settings. The other has a trigger that gets stuck 7/10 times and that is after multiple replacements of each.

Not necessarily a problem except they are $300 to replace. Not exactly your $60 Xbox controller.

[–] Bubs@lemmy.zip 1 points 1 week ago

My used knuckles have been running great for about 3-4 years. Only issues are squeaky triggers (which could be fixed if I cared), the grip material rubbing off, and left stick capacitive touch losing half its sensitivity. I use them daily and smack them around a fair bit too.

[–] Yorick@piefed.social 4 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

The controller feels a bit like a step back, especially if the camera tracking has issues on the back, but if the price point is correct this will be my go-to recommendation for people to steer away from Meta.

Edit: after watching the LTT video, they have an optional ergonomic package with slightly better headstrap, and more importantly a couple of straps for the controllers, which still have per-finger tracking! So you can still handle it like a knuckle controller!

[–] Kn1ghtDigital@lemmy.zip 4 points 1 week ago (3 children)

It looks like they dropped the optical finger tracking on the triggers from the index. I wonder if they were causing problems?

The whole design is very reminiscent of the quest but I kinda like it, seems more lightweight instead of the heavy brick that the index is.

The tech looks good to me. Anyone know what the price point is?

[–] dual_sport_dork@lemmy.world 8 points 1 week ago

I don't think that's been announced yet, but I really would not expect this to cost any less than the top end Steam Deck, i.e. at minimum $800. The spec sheet is already talking about different storage options, so there will probably be a few price tiers as well just like there is with the Steam Deck already.

[–] Natanael@slrpnk.net 4 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Not seeing anything about the price point. I'm guessing Valve will try to keep it low, but that could be anything between $500 to $1000 considering the competition

[–] Bubs@lemmy.zip 1 points 1 week ago

One interview (Tested) they said they are aiming to keep the price below that of the index. I think a $800 to $900 price point is a fair assumption.

[–] Rooster326@programming.dev 2 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (1 children)

Early rumors were around $1200...

That said I hope it is lower. It is specc'd like a modern Quest so I hope it is priced like one too especially if we can only a 256gb and buy the wifi dongle seperately.

[–] NutinButNet@hilariouschaos.com 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

One website I was reading said this was slated to be cheaper than the Index full kit which was $999, IIRC.

[–] Bubs@lemmy.zip 1 points 1 week ago

They confirmed that is their plan in the Tested video review

[–] julysfire@lemmy.world 3 points 1 week ago

Depending on the price, this might finally get me into VR

[–] gusgalarnyk@lemmy.world 3 points 1 week ago

I'm sad to see they aren't producing a premium headset. I was hoping they learned their lesson with the steam deck about the appetite for certain hardware but maybe the VR space is a totally different market.

That being said, this looks like it competes with the Big Picture 2 and I don't know of a better headset sooooo this is likely what I'm gonna pick up.

[–] PunnyName@lemmy.world 3 points 1 week ago

Eye tracking software.

[–] LainTrain@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 1 week ago (1 children)

LCD? Aww man. Will there be a way to use it on desktop like the quest, or are we just SoL stuck between $9999 pimax crystal hyperfuck and $4 quest crumpet

[–] dual_sport_dork@lemmy.world 9 points 1 week ago (1 children)

The linked blurb says you can tether it to your PC. It comes with its own USB stick for wireless connectivity for the same, per the pictures.

[–] LainTrain@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 6 days ago (1 children)

Neat, though I'd prefer HDMI.

I don't see why it's not possible to have a headset that can function standalone, wireless PCVR like Quest AirLink, and also as a "dumb" headset over HDMI like proper PCVR headsets (e.g. Index).

[–] Natanael@infosec.pub 1 points 6 days ago

I'm sure somebody will make Moonlight work with it

[–] MyOpinion@lemmy.today -2 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (1 children)

I am extremely underwhelmed by this announcement. Valve is no longer leading the VR industry. They are just following now.

[–] poVoq@slrpnk.net 10 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

The exciting part is the software (open ecosystem, native Linux, FOVeated streaming). That they chose well tuned but not high-end hardware at a hopefully reasonable price-point is IMHO good for the by now relatively mature VR gaming space.