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Valve has revealed the price of its new VR headset, and, just as with the Steam Machine, it will likely spark some controversy. The Steam Frame will start at $1,059 for the 256 GB model, while the 1 TB version will cost $1,299. The controllers, by the way, are included in the package. In addition, buyers will receive a voucher for a VR-optimized version of Half-Life: Alyx with the headset.
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Valve also unveiled several additional accessories. For example, a power adapter for charging the built-in 21.6 Wh battery, which will cost $29. An Accessory Replacement Kit will be available for $49, which includes one faceplate, a head cushion, and a light blocker. And for $59, you can purchase the Ergonomic Accessories Kit, which contains two controller straps, two battery compartment covers for the controller straps, one headset headband, and one extended light shield.
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In addition, it will soon be possible to order prescription lenses from Zenni Optical, and Arcturus plans to release an RGB camera. The prices for these items are currently unknown.
Steam Frame launched without the delays that plagued the Steam Machine’s launch, but Valve has nonetheless implemented a reservation system. First, you need to register to purchase the model of your choice, and you must do so by September 17 at 10:00 AM PT. After that, Valve will randomly determine the order of priority, and on September 17, buyers will receive an email informing them whether they’ve been placed on the pre-order list or the waitlist. Anyone who registers after September 17 will automatically be placed at the end of the waitlist.
Valve expects to send out the first batch of emails with purchase links on September 18 and will continue to do so as devices become available. If you’re on the waiting list, it means there aren’t enough Steam Frames available for pre-order. When they become available, buyers will receive a notification.
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The company has also confirmed several new features that were introduced after the Steam Frame review period began. The number of independently tested games has grown to 130, and the headset will initially support Gamepad mode for 2D games within a single control panel. The company has also improved multi-connection streaming, input focus, depth mapping, and image clarity.
Along with the headset, buyers will receive a voucher for Half-Life: Alyx. To redeem it, log in to Steam Frame and go to the settings. Company representatives confirmed that the game will not be available at the same time as the Frame’s launch, but instead “intended to ship to customers soon.”
Initially, Valve did not believe it would be able to adapt Half-Life: Alyx to run directly on the headset. However, the company stated that “foveated rendering and eye tracking turned out to be a silver bullet,” which allowed them to avoid modifying any game assets or compromising the gaming experience. At the same time, this required “over a year” of additional software work within the Vulkan and SteamVR drivers, but it will benefit other games that run on Steam Frame.
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