Pre-order listing suggests Steam Frame, next-gen Valve VR headset, may launch as early as February 2026
The upcoming Valve Deckard — also called the "Steam Frame" more recently — VR headset has leaked up and down long before launch, with leaked specs for the potential Steam Index replacement revealing a power-efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC twin 120 Hz, 2,160 × 2,160 LCDs. Now, though, a known VR accessory maker has provided credence to those former leaks, confirming not only that Valve will launch an update to the Steam Index, but that the Steam Frame may be launched as soon as early 2026.
ProTubeVR recently launched the pre-order campaign for its upcoming ProVolver Elite Haptic Pistol for a variety of VR headsets, including what it calls the "Steam Frame. While the actual VR controller seems like an interesting enough device, with the teaser video showing off multiple haptic feedback profiles for different weapons, Steam VR fans have been fixated on the mention of the Frame.
According to the announcement, ProTubeVR aims to launch the ProVolver Elite sometime in February 2026, suggesting that the peripherals manufacturer expects the Steam Frame to launch by then. However, in a response to a question about the mention of the Steam Frame on X, ProTubeVR mentioned that it used information obtained via trademark filings. The company's community manager also mentioned that if the Steam VR headset hasn't launched by the February launch date, it would release the ProVolver a month after the launch of the Steam Frame.
It is for Valve's upcoming unannounced headset, the name is tentative based on TM filing Valve made last month. The release date is earliest we would fulfill pre orders, should Valve release their next HMD before then. If not, then expect 1 month after HMD release.
While the company is clearly trying to avoid liability and hedging its language somewhat with that clarification, it's not uncommon for manufacturers of accessories to get access to NDA materials or have some insider information to plan product launches for their host systems.
While the Steam Frame looks like it will be a solid competitor in the standalone VR headset space, it will have to compete with devices like the premium Apple Vision Pro and more affordable devices, like the Meta Quest 3 (curr. $499.99 on Amazon)
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