Valve launches new hardware lineup: VR headset, console, and SteamOS controller.
Valve has just announced a whole new line of hardware products – but this time not a Steam Deck. Instead, the company is aiming higher with three new devices in the Steam Hardware line , including: Steam Frame , Steam Machine , and Steam Controller. While two of these are names Valve has experimented with before, the 2026 version promises to be completely redesigned and significantly upgraded.
Steam Frame – Valve's first wireless virtual reality headset.
Steam Frame is Valve's first wireless virtual reality (VR) headset, supporting both VR and non-VR content. Valve describes it as a device primarily for streaming experiences, encouraging users to connect to their PC via the included 6GHz wireless adapter for smooth content transmission.
" Steam Frame is equipped with two separate radio channels: one for audio and video transmission, and one for Wi-Fi connection, " Valve stated. " These two independent transmissions completely eliminate bandwidth congestion. "
The device can also operate independently thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Series chip and 16GB of RAM.
The display uses two 2160x2160 LCD panels, supporting refresh rates from 72 to 144Hz. Additionally, Valve has integrated foveated streaming, eye tracking, dual stereo speakers, and a next-generation VR controller.
Steam Machine – a mini gaming console that's 6 times more powerful than a Steam Deck.
If Steam Deck is a mobile device, then Steam Machine is positioned as a 'plug-and-play' console for the living room, aimed at a TV-based gaming experience. Inside is an impressive configuration with a custom AMD Zen 4 CPU (6 cores, 12 threads) and an RDNA3 28 CU GPU, along with 16GB of DDR5 RAM and 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM. According to Valve, Steam Machine's performance is six times stronger than Steam Deck, capable of playing games at 4K 60 FPS thanks to FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) technology.
In terms of connectivity, the device has a Gigabit Ethernet port, DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, one USB-C port, and four USB-A ports. Storage capacity comes in two options: 512GB or 2TB, with support for microSD cards for further expansion.
Steam Controller – a new type of controller that offers almost absolute drift prevention.
Finally, there's the next-generation Steam Controller, which looks like the Steam Deck but without a screen.
Alongside dual touchpads, the controller features TMR analog sticks – a technology that virtually eliminates drift – and also includes motion sensors (gyro), a grip button on the back, and a quick-access menu to open notifications, friend lists, or Steam Chat in seconds.
The device uses an 8.39Wh Li-ion battery and comes with a magnetic 'Puck' charging dock on the front, allowing for fast charging without needing to plug it in every time it's used.
Valve stated:
All of our hardware is Steam-centric and designed to work seamlessly with the platform. Steam Deck, Steam Machine, and Steam Frame all run SteamOS – the ultimate gaming operating system, delivering a console-like plug-and-play experience while retaining the power and flexibility of a PC.
All three new devices in the Steam Hardware lineup are expected to launch in 2026. Valve hasn't revealed specific pricing yet, but says details about the Steam Frame, Steam Machine, and Steam Controller will be released gradually in the coming months.
