Steam Frame: Over 35,000 Sign-ups, But Less Than Half Get a Device

Valve has completed the first 'one-time randomization' for its new VR headset, the Steam Frame. According to PC Gamer, over 35,000 prospective buyers signed up for the initial sales batch, but less than half of those actually secured a reservation for a device. If you participated, you should now specifically check your email inbox for a confirmation.

How Does the Steam Frame Draw Work?

Instead of distributing the first devices on a 'first-come, first-served' basis, Valve opted for a random selection process: all registrants were entered into a lottery, from which only a portion received the right to purchase a unit from the initial batch. Those who received a confirmation have already been notified via email.

Why Is Demand for the Steam Frame So High?

This pattern isn't entirely new for Valve: the launch of the Steam Deck, and before that the Valve Index, both experienced months-long supply shortages because demand significantly outstripped the initially available units. Valve has apparently learned from these experiences and is attempting this time to mitigate frustration among scalpers and frequent buyers from the outset by using a controlled random process, rather than simply relying on pre-order queues. While this means less certainty for the community regarding when they might get a device, it theoretically offers fairer access regardless of how quickly someone clicked an order button.

However, those who missed out in this round shouldn't despair entirely: experience suggests that Valve will likely ramp up production and offer more batches for purchase in the coming months, once supply chains have stabilized.

Source: PC Gamer

Did you manage to snag a Steam Frame in the draw? Let us know in the comments!