Valve’s Steam Frame Reservation Lottery Is Entering Its Most Important Stage

Valve is finally moving the Steam Frame reservation process into its next stage, with applicants set to find out whether they landed in the reservation queue or the waitlist. The first purchase invitations, however, are coming slightly later.

Steam Frame buyers find out their place

The initial reservation window closed on September 17 at 10 AM PT, after which Valve began its one-time randomization process. Applicants are expected to receive an email with their result within a day.

That email does not necessarily mean you can buy the headset immediately. If Valve places you in the reservation queue, your selected Steam Frame model is reserved in your name, and Valve will begin sending purchase emails from September 18 as units become available. Those emails are sent according to the randomized order.

The Steam Frame starts at $1,059 for the 256GB model, while the 1TB version costs $1,299 in the US. Both versions include the headset and controllers, while accessories such as the $29 power adapter are sold separately.

Valve is also using several restrictions to make the system harder for scalpers to exploit. Applicants need a Steam account in good standing, must have made a purchase before April 27, 2026, and can submit only one reservation per household. Valve says payment and shipping details may be used to identify duplicate entries.

Steam Frame availability could become the real test

The reservation system suggests Valve expects demand to exceed the number of units available initially. Those placed on the waitlist will have to wait for their position to move forward, while selected buyers reportedly get 72 hours to complete their purchase once invited.