After Steam Frame reservations disappoint, scalpers flip pre-orders for $2000+ price

Valve is sending Steam Frame reservation updates, informing lucky buyers to expect a pre-order opportunity. Gamers who weren’t as fortunate are being placed on a waitlist. To make matters worse for them, scalpers have begun reselling the VR headset at inflated prices.

Limitations of the lottery

The marketplace took measures to prevent eBay sellers from profiting from others' misfortune. Steam accounts in good standing can claim only one head-mounted display. Steam Controller sign-ups used a criticized first-come, first-served approach. In this case, registrants are sent order emails randomly following a lottery.

Despite these safeguards, many individuals have no intention of enjoying the VR headset themselves. Even before emails with purchase links go out, Steam Frame reservations are appearing on eBay. Successful sales of the 256 GB version are in the $1700+ price range, while the 1 TB option often closes for $2000 or more.

Angered by the development, fans have asked the auction house to remove the listings. In some cases, they've succeeded, although the rules for flipping pre-orders are open to interpretation. Valve prohibits transferring invites to other accounts, but can’t stop sales once buyers possess their units.

Skirting the rules?

On eBay’s side, several presale policies apply. Merchants must guarantee fulfillment within 40 business days of accepting payment. Customers avoiding the waitlist could see Steam Frame pre-orders ship imminently. That would be acceptable to meet the required timeframe. Nevertheless, the marketplace has recognized enough complaints to nullify listings.

Leading up to the release date of the hardware, there were fears of limited stock. Both the Steam Machine and Steam Controller are suffering from strained supplies. Sadly, it doesn’t seem Valve was able to assemble sufficient quantities of the new wearable to meet demand.

Steamframeout shows more surveyed users are on the waitlist than have received Steam Frame reservation emails. That’s welcome news for scalpers who will continue to benefit from the shortage. Meanwhile, disheartened gamers may not secure the VR headset until at least 2027.