Valve has officially entered a new era of gaming hardware with the announcement of three exciting products launching in early 2026: the Steam Frame VR headset, the Steam Machine console, and a redesigned Steam Controller. This bold move aims to expand Valve’s footprint in both VR and traditional PC gaming while offering a new console experience tailored for the Steam ecosystem.
Steam Frame: Wireless Streaming-First VR Headset
The new Steam Frame headset is a standalone wireless VR device running on Valve’s custom SteamOS powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 16GB RAM. It is built to stream VR and non-VR games wirelessly from your Steam-compatible PC via a dedicated 6GHz dongle, reducing latency and providing high-quality foveated streaming enhanced by eye tracking. In addition to streaming, the headset can run a selection of less graphically demanding games natively.
Steam Frame features two ergonomic controllers optimized for VR gameplay and also supports playing all your existing Steam library titles in a giant virtual screen environment, effectively turning any game into an immersive experience.
Steam Machine: Compact Valve Console
Valve’s new Steam Machine marks a return to hybrid gaming hardware nearly a decade after the original Steam Machine. This compact console runs SteamOS on custom AMD hardware featuring a Zen 4 6-core CPU and an RDNA3 GPU with 28 compute units, paired with 16GB DDR5 and additional 8GB GDDR6 VRAM. It offers configurable storage options up to 2TB and is designed for fast game loading and multiple connectivity options including USB-C, HDMI, and Ethernet.
The Steam Machine aims to blend PC-performance with console comforts, providing easy living-room gaming with access to the full Steam library and support for multiple players connected via Steam Controller devices.
Steam Controller: Redesigned for Modern Play
The updated Steam Controller introduces two TMR optical thumbsticks for enhanced durability and precision, dual trackpads with haptic feedback, motion controls, and capacitive grip sensing. It supports both Bluetooth and dedicated 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, functioning across a broad range of platforms including SteamOS devices, PC, Mac, and mobile.
Release and Pricing
While Valve has not announced pricing yet, all three devices are expected to launch in early 2026. The new lineup complements the existing Steam Deck handheld and provides options for VR enthusiasts, traditional PC gamers, and living room players.
Frequently Asked Questions
What platforms will the Steam Frame support?
Steam Frame supports Steam VR games and Steam non-VR games natively with streaming from compatible Windows PCs and Steam Machines.
How is Steam Machine different from the original?
The new Steam Machine features updated AMD Zen 4 CPUs, RDNA3 GPUs, and modern storage options, offering significantly better performance than the 2015 original.
Can the Steam Controller be used with devices other than Valve hardware?
Yes, the new Steam Controller is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Steam Deck, Steam Machines, and mobile devices via Bluetooth or the dedicated wireless puck.
When will the new hardware be available?
Valve expects to release all three products in early 2026, with further announcements regarding pricing and availability forthcoming.
Conclusion
Valve’s 2026 hardware trio marks a significant expansion of the Steam ecosystem, catering to diverse gaming preferences. Whether you’re into wireless VR, want a powerful console-like PC for the living room, or seek an innovative controller that replaces mouse-and-keyboard for couch gaming, Valve aims to deliver compelling experiences that unify Steam’s vast game library across multiple devices and play styles.