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I have no idea how Meta made a VR headset that's 83% lighter and 60% smaller than Apple Vision Pro, but I'm all here for it
BetaBeacon
September 26, 2026

I have no idea how Meta made a VR headset that’s 83% lighter and 60% smaller than Apple Vision Pro, but I’m all here for it

The Meta VR Glasses are tiny, comfortable standalone headsets set to launch in Spring 2027, offering advanced technology such as prescription lenses, hand-tracking capabilities, and a new chipset for enhanced gaming experiences. They provide immersive gaming experiences and cinematic visuals with high-resolution micro-OLED panels, representing a total reboot of the VR paradigm.
Valve has ported Half-Life: Alyx to ARM, and it’s free with Steam Frame
AppWizard
September 14, 2026

Valve has ported Half-Life: Alyx to ARM, and it’s free with Steam Frame

Valve has released the Steam Frame, its first VR headset since 2019, priced at ,059, bundled with Half-Life: Alyx. The game has been ported to run natively on the Qualcomm Snapdragon Gen 3 chip, allowing it to operate without a traditional desktop PC. The Steam Frame features eye-tracking technology and foveated rendering, enhancing performance by focusing on areas where the user is looking. Valve invested a year in software development for the headset, benefiting not only Half-Life: Alyx but also other games on the platform. The Steam Frame supports various games without extensive porting and can run Windows games through translation and emulation layers. Valve has not been developing new VR content since 2025, though speculation about Half-Life 3 persists.
Half-Life: Alyx gets 'No VR' mode, perfect for those without an expensive headset
AppWizard
July 30, 2026

Half-Life: Alyx gets ‘No VR’ mode, perfect for those without an expensive headset

Half-Life: Alyx has introduced a 'No VR' mode that allows players without virtual reality headsets to play the entire campaign on a flatscreen. Originally launched in 2019 as a VR-exclusive title, it faced criticism for being inaccessible to many fans of the series. The new mod enhances gameplay with interaction mechanics similar to those in games like SOMA or Amnesia, allowing players to engage with objects by aiming and holding down a button. Currently in testing, the mod covers only the first chapter of the game, with a public release expected soon. While the game is designed for VR, the mod offers an opportunity for those unable to use a headset to experience the narrative and gameplay interactively.
Thinking About Installing Windows on Your Steam Machine? Read This First
Winsage
July 14, 2026

Thinking About Installing Windows on Your Steam Machine? Read This First

Valve has released Windows drivers for the Steam Machine, allowing users to replace SteamOS with Windows for greater software flexibility. This transition requires a complete OS overhaul and may result in performance issues due to reliance on generic AMD graphics drivers, as Valve does not provide official support for Windows on the Steam Machine. Users have encountered a hardware issue known as the “Red Bar of Death,” which can often be resolved through power resets and ensuring proper ventilation. The upcoming Steam Frame VR headset is designed to operate independently of a PC, featuring standalone capabilities and enhanced SteamOS integration, but its success will depend on competitive pricing and developer support. The Steam Machine faces challenges such as high pricing, aging hardware, and limited official support, impacting its competitiveness in the gaming market.
Echoes of Aincrad (PC) Review
AppWizard
July 9, 2026

Echoes of Aincrad (PC) Review

Echoes of Aincrad is an original game set in the world of Sword Art Online, allowing players to assume the role of a background character who starts as a beta tester. The game features a prologue where players form an alliance with a solo player named Ito to combat player killers. The main storyline, which takes about three hours to complete, involves navigating the dangers of a game where death in-game results in real-life consequences. Players create their own character and experience familiar story elements while uncovering new narratives. The gameplay includes a mix of quests and environmental puzzles, though it suffers from repetitiveness and underutilized expansive worlds. Combat is satisfactory, with various melee weapons and coordinated attacks with party characters. The game is compatible with VR for an immersive experience.
Portal 2 just got a Steam Frame compatibility rating, hinting at the VR headset's imminent launch
AppWizard
June 30, 2026

Portal 2 just got a Steam Frame compatibility rating, hinting at the VR headset’s imminent launch

Valve is set to launch the Steam Frame this summer, with the classic game Portal 2 receiving a compatibility rating of Playable. The Playable rating is due to the lack of support for the Steam Frame's native resolution, meaning while the game runs smoothly, it won't utilize the headset's full resolution capabilities. The Steam Frame features a resolution of 2,160 × 2,160 for each eye, an upgrade from the Valve Index's 1,440 × 1,600 resolution. It also offers standalone gaming capabilities, unlike the Index, which required a PC connection. Valve's compatibility rating system includes Unsupported, Playable, and Verified categories. A late August release for the Steam Frame is anticipated, following the timeline of previous product launches.
Steam Machine reservations are already being resold on Ebay for up to $2900
AppWizard
June 29, 2026

Steam Machine reservations are already being resold on Ebay for up to $2900

Valve's Steam Machine has faced challenges due to scalpers exploiting its limited availability. Despite measures like a randomized queue and one-unit purchase limits, resellers have listed the device at inflated prices on platforms like eBay. For example, a 2TB Steam Machine bundled with a controller is priced at ,899.99, over double its retail cost of 8. Listings for 2TB models range from ,700 to ,899.99, while a 512GB model without a controller is offered for ,800. Resale practices mirror those seen during the Steam Controller launch, where buyers could purchase multiple units for resale. The Steam Machine's higher starting price of ,049 makes reselling less feasible for many. Valve has indicated that as they process reservations, cancellations may open opportunities for others on the waiting list. Additionally, there is speculation about the demand for Valve's upcoming VR headset, the Steam Frame, amid existing competition.
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