Valve has decided to hold the hardware specifications of its Steam Frame VR headset steady rather than revise them to bring the price down, GameSpark reports. The company made the call even as a worldwide shortage of components continues to affect the industry. According to GameSpark, Valve is prioritizing keeping the device's specs intact over any cost-cutting changes.
The Steam Frame is a standalone headset that can run Steam on its own, according to PC Watch, which reported a Japanese release starting at 199,980 yen. A review from CNET Japan described the device as still experimental, with room for further improvement.
The decision comes against the backdrop of a global parts shortage, which has pressured hardware makers on pricing and supply. Valve's choice means buyers should not expect a cheaper, pared-down version of the headset in the near term.
What to watch next is whether the component shortage shifts Valve's stance on pricing or availability for the Steam Frame.