Steam Frame Controller Driver Appears in SteamVR as Release Preparation Continues

SteamVR 2.16 is here, bringing in a bunch of enhancements for Linux. In addition to the official update, we now have all the driver files for the Steam Frame controller, which were discovered in SteamVR, including models, button mapping, game bindings, and onboarding tools. With the most recent updates, it looks like the platform is nearing release.

The focus of SteamVR 2.16 is on stability and streaming improvements. There are a few Steam Frame (or Steam Machine) related fixes in SteamVR 2.16, particularly for Linux, since both run on Linux. GPU synchronization has been improved, and the handling of multiple processes in SteamVR has been tidied up.

Streaming has been enhanced as well. It now correctly detects the most appropriate graphics card rather than the first one detected, which caused problems for some users. Streaming to Quest headsets also received a patch, with the titles Pavlov and In the Radius 2 noted as having issues prior to this update.

A general bug that prevented the SteamVR dashboard from opening has been fixed. Drops when using frame cameras in SteamVR Home have been resolved, and a memory leak with AMD hardware has been fixed.

This is for the Steam Frame Controller Driver Appears in SteamVR Files

There was a public SteamVR file changes log that had a full Steam Frame controller driver. The files contain 3D models (Left and Right controllers), complete button layouts, and pre-designed game profiles. Support for major VR titles has been prepped and is ready to go ahead of launch, as evidenced by bindings for Beat Saber and Half-Life: Alyx, which are already available.

There's also a thorough first-time setup procedure in the update. They are introduced to their counterparts, a welcome screen is shown, the functions of the system buttons are explained, the Wi-Fi connection is demonstrated, and a guided tour is provided. The entire out-of-box experience appears to be ready. Beyond traditional VR use, the controller's design will be extended to include additional features.

At first glance, the Steam Frame controllers look similar to controllers used with the Meta Quest 3. They use headset tracking (without tracking rings) and offer finger tracking. The left controller's D-pad is also located alongside a thumbstick; the right controller has four face buttons in the standard ABXY pattern. The bumpers, triggers, grip buttons, and thumbsticks are found in both controllers.

The design seems to be for both VR gaming and traditional game navigation. The controls are designed to be familiar while playing VR games, viewing your Steam library, or launching traditional games. Steam Frame controllers seem to straddle the VR and traditional gaming worlds, rather than being designed for VR interaction first.

Finger Tracking and TMR Sticks are Both Additional Features

Additionally, capacitive sensors are placed under all of the buttons on the controllers. This will enable the software to identify which finger is on the keyboard, even if no buttons are being pressed. This system is dubbed "skeletal input" by Valve, and they've also released the Valve Index controllers, which have helped make them popular. This creates more realistic hand projection in virtual realities.

Another unique feature is the analog sticks. Determining stick drift has been a problem for both VR and standard controllers, and Valve seems to be addressing it with a new stick design. You can use the controller independently. Standalone Controller Usage may be possible. The newly discovered files raise questions about the Steam Frame controllers' ability to operate without the headset.

According to the Steam Frame product page, it supports 2.4 GHz wireless communication, which is also the wireless band supported by the dedicated controller adapter. As a result, the controllers may eventually be able to control PCs or other compatible devices directly. Even though Valve has been releasing Steam games for the Steam Controller and Steam Deck, it is not out of the realm of possibility that their games would have separate controller modes. There's also built-in gamepad support, which bolsters that idea.

First-Time Setup Experience is Already Implemented

The SteamVR onboarding system provides an in-depth overview of the initial setup process. Users are walked through pairing the controller, understanding the functions of some buttons, connecting to Wi-Fi, and a brief introduction to the system. Testing has been done with the headset on the Valve Index, showing that the sequence works.

It seems intended to make the initial setup easier and reduce the complexity sometimes seen in VR equipment installations. One step in the setup involves attaching the Wi-Fi dongle that comes with the Steam Frame. The adapter supports low-latency wireless game streaming from a PC and features Wi-Fi 6E technology. But previously, Valve had said the accessory would be compatible with both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0.

Users with a more robust home network setup might not need the dongle, but it could be a solution for those seeking more consistent wireless performance during PC VR streaming sessions. Apparently, there are two modes of use for the Steam Frame. The first is independent use, meaning games can be played on the headset without a PC.

It has a similar model to today's standalone VR platforms.

The second one is dedicated to wireless PC VR streaming, where games are developed on a gaming PC and streamed to a VR headset without a physical cable. Both of these methods are backed by software changes that are already becoming available in SteamVR. The new SteamVR update offers a lot more than just a few typical patches.

Major components of the Steam Frame software experience are now complete, including a complete controller driver, onboarding tools, controller models, game bindings, and new platform features. The project appears to be progressing towards launch readiness, with the main release branch still receiving updates and additional Steam Frame components being added to SteamVR.