Valve rejected Steam Frame spec cuts to avoid higher prices for the VR headset
Valve said it never considered cutting the Steam Frame’s specifications despite the memory shortage and rising component costs. The company told RPS that reducing the headset’s capabilities would not have been the right product choice.
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Valve will not cut the Steam Frame’s specifications to contain its price amid a memory shortage. The company told RPS that reducing the headset’s capabilities was never considered an acceptable option.
The Steam Frame is launching at a higher-than-expected price. Because it can operate as a standalone device, it is exposed to component availability problems affecting laptops and desktop PCs.
Memory shortage raises hardware costs
The global RAM shortage is already affecting hardware manufacturers. Some companies are switching to models with less memory or removing DRAM entirely to reduce costs.
Valve chose to keep the Steam Frame’s specifications even if that results in a higher launch price. The source also reports wider effects from the component shortage, including impacts on game development.
What we know
- Valve rejected cutting the Steam Frame’s specifications because of the memory shortage.
- The VR headset is launching at a higher-than-expected price.
- Some manufacturers are switching to devices with less RAM or no DRAM.
- The standalone-capable Steam Frame is exposed to computer-component shortages.
Trust: Single source
- The story relies on one publisher. A second independent confirmation has not been established from the cited sources.
- Sources: Rock Paper Shotgun.
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