– Steam Frame will have a replaceable lithium-ion battery, with an “Enthusiast Kit” offering an extra battery for extended playtime.
– The VR headset can operate as a standalone device, store and run non-VR and VR games, and work without wired connectivity.
– Default hardware includes a head strap with attached battery, two motion controllers, wireless dongle, and power supply.
– An alternative head strap with BMR speakers for spatial audio is also in development.
– Official release date is Summer 2026, but recent FCC filings and shipments suggest a possible earlier debut.
Valve’s New Controller Leak and Battery Kit
Recent Valve import data raised hopes for an imminent Steam Frame release date. Now, an FCC leak has shed light on an unannounced accessory pack for the VR headset. One of the more notable discoveries is an option for a replaceable lithium-ion battery.
Filing Reveals Enthusiast Kit Details
Before products with wireless capabilities ship in the U.S., manufacturers typically must submit them to the FCC for inspection. In the process, consumers occasionally learn more details about the tech before announcements. After analyzing documents on the agency’s website, Valve insider Brad Lynch shared some insights.
Controller Photos and Extra Battery
Lynch posted pics on social media that show the exterior and interior of the Steam Frame controllers. As LabeVR notes, the linked documentation also mentions an “Enthusiast Kit”. Among other potential accessories, buyers of the VR headset add-on would receive an extra battery.
Portability and Standalone Operation
Unlike the Valve Index, its follow-up can be used as a standalone device that can store and run non-VR and VR games. To further enhance portability, it can operate without any wired connectivity. By default, the hardware will ship with a head strap with an attached battery. Presumably, the Enthusiast Kit would further extend playtime.
Alternative Strap with Spatial Audio
It’s unclear whether the bundle consists of a separate head strap or just the additional swappable power source. Lynch also leaked that Valve was developing an alternative strap with BMR speakers. On the Index VR headset, the speakers would float near the ears to produce spatial audio.
Price Concerns and Included Components
While speculation has focused on the cost of the Steam Machine, the memory shortage may also inflate the Steam Frame price. Still, there are no indications yet that Valve will skimp on included components. Without the kit, buyers should receive two motion controllers, a wireless dongle to communicate with PCs, and a power supply for uninterrupted play.
Release Date Slated for Summer
The official Steam Frame release date remains Summer 2026. Yet, after the manufacturer accepted shipments of “Virtual Reality Devices”, the FCC filing is another encouraging sign for a debut earlier in the season.