Valve‘s Next VR Headset Signals a Wireless Future,Potentially Launching Soon
Valve is heavily hinting at a new virtual reality headset,likely a standalone device inspired by the success of the Steam Deck,and a launch could be closer than previously anticipated. Recent interviews and leaks suggest the headset,frequently enough referred to as the “Steam frame,” will prioritize wireless functionality and boast processing power exceeding current market leaders - but at a premium price.
During a recent interview with Tested, Valve hardware engineer Yazan Aldehayyat and product designer Lawrence Yang indicated that lessons learned from the Steam Deck’s progress would inform future hardware projects, strongly suggesting a move away from tethered VR experiences.
This wireless expectation is further supported by leaked specifications shared by VR leak source SadlyItsBradley on X (formerly Twitter). The leaks point to the inclusion of a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, a component typically utilized in standalone devices. according to the source, this chipset’s GPU will be one generation newer than that found in the Meta Quest 3.
However, the advanced technology comes at a cost. A leak from Gabe Follower on X suggests a price tag of $1,200 (approximately £900 / AU$1,850), more than double the price of the Meta Quest 3.
Valve has not yet officially announced a release date, but multiple indicators suggest a reveal and launch are imminent, potentially before 2026.The company has yet to share official details,but will undoubtedly announce any developments in due course.