Valve's much-anticipated VR headset Steam Frame has recently revealed a lot of product details due to filing documents with the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This document not only shows the internal structure of the handle, but also reveals the power supply scheme of the entire device-including an "enthusiast kit" that supports "hot-swappable" battery replacement.
According to documents published by the FCC, each action controller supplied with the Steam Frame is powered by a single AA battery. Officials have made it clear that they support rechargeable AA batteries, but they will not be included in the box. This is obviously a decision that takes into account cost control and simplified maintenance: users can buy replacement batteries at any store, or choose a brand and capacity they trust.
Photos of the internal structure in the document show that the handle does not use a single motherboard, but is composed of multiple small PCBs connected by cables. The casing is held in place by threaded screws rather than snaps or glue—a stark contrast to previous Index controllers, which required a soldering iron for some repairs. This design continues Valve's "repairability first" philosophy, which has been seen in previous disassembly reviews of the new Steam controller.
What is even more concerning is the power supply design of the headset itself. The FCC filing mentions multiple times an add-on called a "Frame Enthusiast kit" that will be sold separately. The kit includes a hot-swappable lithium-ion battery pack — meaning users can quickly replace the external battery without turning off the headset or interrupting a gaming session, according to the document.
In addition, there are reports that Valve is also developing an optional headband for Steam Frame that integrates BMR (balanced mode radiator) speakers, using an Index-like suspended design to provide an immersive spatial audio experience.
The official price has not yet been announced, but it is known that Steam Frame is a stand-alone device with built-in 16GB LPDDR5 memory, and its cost will inevitably be affected by the increase in DRAM prices.