It’s an unusual period for introducing a new VR headset, and perhaps an even more peculiar time for potential buyers. The availability of original virtual reality games has dwindled to a trickle, and similar to Valve’s previous hardware launch, the Steam Frame comes with bumps and scratches resulting from a battle with a severe components shortage. A battle that, judging by its starting price of £889 / $1,059, it undeniably lost.
Nevertheless, another similarity the Frame shares with the updated Steam Machine is that as a hardware device itself, it’s genuinely appealing. Engaging, in fact. It’s a delightful combination of essential VR functionality and genuinely innovative engineering concepts: some straightforward practical enhancements, and others that could transform PC gaming as we currently understand it. And not just for games played with sweaty goggles on your face.