Steam Frame release date and pre-order news likely on September 14 after email leak

A growing consensus among Valve followers suggests the Steam Frame release date is nearly here. After a first impressions video of the VR headset leaked on September 12th, a dataminer made another discovery. An email indicates the pre-order reservation system will randomize entries on September 17th.

Found on the marketplace’s backend, insider Brad Lynch shared a message intended for customers. While it doesn’t state when pre-orders will start, the Steam Machine launch provides clues. Valve opened reservations for the mini PC on June 22nd, with a lottery system choosing gamers on June 25th. Using the same schedule, September 14th would be the day to watch for Steam Frame news.

The email leak seems to settle a debate about the reservation system. An earlier version no longer referenced a lottery, but the wording has returned in the latest text. That may appease fans worried that bots would assemble at a fixed time to claim the VR headset. Without randomizing buyers, scalpers hogged the Steam Controller supply.

Other encouraging signs include a series of backend package updates, hinting that the Steam Frame release date is imminent. On social media, Steam Hardware Updates expects a flood of similar activity before official Valve news.

Launch timing

The same account predicts precise times on September 14th to monitor for updates. Judging by how the company handled the Steam Machine and Controller, 1 PM EST/7 PM CEST is most likely. Steam Frame pre-orders could begin then, along with clarification on price and a release date. Following a premature upload of a Linus Media Group-controlled ShortCircuit video, a review embargo may also end.

One retailer fans should focus on is Komodo Station. Valve’s own store serves much of the world. However, its Asian distributor leaked information about the Steam Machine and other hardware. As a Redditor noted, unlike in past weeks, Komodo Station has not announced Monday-Tuesday restocks.