Valve discontinues Index VR headset after Steam Frame

Liam Brooks 10/15/2026

The era of the Valve Index is drawing to a close. After seven years defining the landscape of PC Virtual Reality, Valve is officially winding down production of its original flagship headset as it pivots its focus entirely toward its next generation of immersive gaming.

This shift isn’t just about clearing inventory; it represents a major evolution in how Valve envisions VR gaming. With the launch of the Steam Frame headset firmly taking center stage, the Index is being retired rather than simply relegated to a budget option.

The Index, which debuted at a premium price point of £999, established itself as one of the most expensive and feature-rich options available for PC VR. Now, Valve is trading that established hardware for a system designed to redefine the boundaries of the experience.

The Steam Frame is the new vision, offering a standalone design that allows games to run natively within the headset. This move eliminates the need for tethered gaming PCs and the cumbersome breakout box that once defined the Index setup. Instead, Valve is pushing towards a future where VR is truly wireless and integrated.

This new ecosystem promises seamless wireless PC VR streaming, offering freedom from physical constraints while maintaining high fidelity. By concentrating its resources on the Steam Frame, Valve is focusing its energy on building a unified and fully integrated VR experience.

As the transition happens, Valve is ensuring that fans of the Index can still enjoy the gear. The company has initiated significant discounts across all remaining hardware, making the Index hardware more accessible than ever before. The headset itself is now available for £367, while replacement controllers are priced at £111 each, and accessories, such as the tether cable, are available for £95.

This move signals a clear direction: honoring the legacy of the Index while boldly stepping into the future with the Steam Frame ecosystem. The Index will remain a memorable piece of VR history, but the focus is firmly set on the innovative, future-forward technologies that lie ahead.