Valve’s long-rumored next VR headset, potentially named “Steam Frame,” has reportedly kicked off mass production, paving the way for a possible release by the end of this year. The news comes from a Chinese analyst group, XR Research Institute, which claims the device—codenamed “Deckard”—is gearing up for 500,000 units in its first year, aligning with earlier whispers of a late 2025 debut.
The leaks, first surfaced by UploadVR, build on years of hints from dataminers and insiders. Production of key parts like face gaskets and controllers has ramped up in the U.S., with equipment imported since April.
Valve trademarked “Steam Frame” last month, and code in recent SteamVR updates has rebranded overlays as “Frames,” suggesting a focus on spatial computing—blending VR with everyday apps like Steam Deck games in virtual space.
Priced around $1,200 for the full bundle including “Roy” controllers—advanced hand trackers with finger sensing—the headset is tipped as a standalone wireless unit, competing with Meta’s Quest series.
It could run PC VR games without cables and support non-Steam titles, expanding Valve’s ecosystem. Leaker “Gabe Follower” on X predicts a holiday window, though some sources push to early 2026.
Valve hasn’t commented, but with Steam Deck‘s 5 million sales as a benchmark, Steam Frame could revitalize PC VR if it delivers on wireless freedom and ease of use. Eyes are on The Game Awards in December for potential announcements.
Buy the Steam Deck (1TB/OLED) on Amazon.
