A filing involving Valve's Steam Frame has recently been discovered online, sharing the exact specs for its battery configurations for both the headset and the controllers, and it bears good news for fans.
Steam Frame Battery Is Hot-Swappable on Headset
A new FCC filing submitted for the Steam Frame controller has surfaced publicly. Buried within its documentation are several references to an Enthusiast accessory battery pack, a "Frame Enthusiast" kit, and a hot-swappable Enthusiast battery pack.
The references point to an optional add-on that users will be able to purchase separately to enable hot-swapping batteries on the Steam Frame headset.
The filing is less clear on what happens with the headset's built-in battery under standard conditions. The documentation notes that users should not attempt to replace a damaged battery themselves and should instead contact a professional.
However, a separate repairs section of the same filing states that users should not replace or repair any part of the headset "other than replacing a battery in accordance with Valve's instructions," leaving the door open to some form of user battery replacement for the main unit.
Steam Frame Controllers Have AA Batteries
According to PCGamesN, the FCC filing also includes detailed images of the Steam Frame controller's exterior and internal components, including its two main circuit boards and vibration motor.
The controller's internal images clearly show that it runs on a standard AA battery, a design choice that keeps the controller simple and makes replacements easy for users without any special tools or proprietary charging accessories.
The relative simplicity of the controller's design is visible in the filing's component images, suggesting Valve has kept the hardware lean rather than packing it with additional features that could complicate the form factor.
When to Expect the Steam Frame?
Valve has confirmed that the Steam Frame is on track to launch this summer, alongside the Steam Machine. Neither device has received a specific release date yet, but the FCC filing is widely interpreted as a strong signal that the hardware is close to being ready for consumers.
The FCC submission process is required for certain classes of electronic equipment before they can be sold in the United States. A product showing up in an FCC filing at this level of detail typically means it is in or near its final production form.
The Steam Controller launched earlier last May ahead of both the Steam Machine and Steam Frame, as it did not require the RAM components that had been delaying the other two products amid the global memory shortage.
Valve has not shared pricing for the Steam Frame, and an official launch announcement is expected before the summer window closes.
