Valve just opened the Steam Frame lottery with a strict rule to block scalpers
Valve has launched the Steam Frame reservation lottery, introducing strict household limits to prevent scalpers from grabbing the new VR headset.
Key Takeaways
- Valve has revealed the Steam Frame, a standalone VR headset capable of running games natively as well as streaming full PC Steam libraries wirelessly.
- Purchases are managed via a randomized reservation lottery closing September 17, requiring an active Steam account with a recorded purchase before April 27, 2026.
- The retail package includes controllers, a low-latency wireless PC dongle, and Half-Life: Alyx, but omits a bundled USB-C power adapter.
Valve has had a pretty busy year, and the company is not slowing down with its latest hardware reveal. After expanding the Steam lineup with the Steam Deck and Steam Machine, Valve is now taking another shot at hardware with the Steam Frame. It is a VR headset but with a much broader pitch; it’s a standalone PC built around your Steam library.
What Is the Steam Frame?
Steam Frame is Valve’s standalone VR headset, designed to handle both VR and traditional non-VR Steam games. It can run compatible games directly, while its wireless PC streaming setup lets you access your broader Steam library. So it’s less restrictive than your typical headset that is primarily built around VR.
Valve is offering the device in two separate storage capacities. The 256GB edition retails for $1,059 / £889 / €1,049 which serves as the base tier. Then there’s the 1TB model which is priced at $1,299 / £1,089 / €1,279 for players who prefer keeping larger game collections installed locally.
How the Registration Lottery Works
If you want a Steam Frame, registration is already underway and will remain open until September 17 at 10AM PT / 1PM ET / 6PM BST. This is not a traditional first-come, first-served preorder, though, as Valve is using a randomized reservation system similar to the approach it took with the Steam Machine.
Signups will be separated into pools based on region and the Steam Frame model selected. Once registration closes, Valve will randomize those pools and use the results to determine who gets a place on the reservation list. Purchase invitations will begin going out on September 18, with players receiving either a reservation email or a waitlist email.
If you make it onto the reservation list, you will have 72 hours after receiving your purchase invitation to complete the order. Miss that window and the reservation will be forfeited, with the spot then offered to someone else on the waitlist.
Steam Frame is here! Our wireless VR headset + controllers, available now in the following models:
— Valve (@valvesoftware) September 14, 2026
Steam Frame 256GB
Steam Frame 1TB
Sign up now and learn more on @Steam https://t.co/N9IvWskQRP pic.twitter.com/9sfIUSjiwL
Eligibility Rules and Purchase Limits
Because initial supply is limited, Valve established strict guidelines to maintain a fair purchasing process. Orders are limited to one entry per household, with Valve screening payment details, shipping addresses, and secondary account data to eliminate duplicate entries.
To enter the lottery, your Steam account must be in good standing and must have a recorded purchase prior to April 27, 2026. Make sure to pick your preferred model carefully when filling out your details. Once your application has been submitted, your selection is locked in and cannot be changed.
Included Gear and Optional Accessories
Players who receive a purchase invitation will get a complete standalone setup right out of the packaging. The box includes the headset, two controllers, a dedicated dongle for low-latency wireless PC streaming, a glasses spacer, a USB-C cable, and a free copy of Half-Life: Alyx if you still don’t own the game.
Yep, a power adapter is not bundled with the unit. Valve sells a standalone charger for $29, though anyone who owns a Steam Deck charger or any standard 45W USB-C charger is already set.
Several add-ons will also be available for the device. Optional gear includes custom prescription lens inserts manufactured by Zenni and a Color Passthrough module made by Arcturus Vision. Valve’s first-party add-ons, including the standalone charger, the Accessories Replacement Kit, and the Ergonomic Accessories Kit, will only be available as add-to-cart selections during checkout for those selected from the reservation list.
Ready to sign up? Head over to the official Steam Frame listing for the full details, eligibility requirements, and FAQs.
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