Speculation about Valve's new generation of VR hardware has increased, with news that a new trademark application finds the name "Steam Frame." The discovery rekindled speculation about a possible Valve Index 2, a much-desired follow-up to the initial VR headset from the company.

Trademark filing caught

Valve submitted two applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on September 2 for Steam Frame. The first application covered categories from computer hardware to peripherals, networking, and software. The second application covered gaming hardware, such as consoles and controllers.

The filings do not mention the term VR technology per se. But Valve has a reputation for making hardware innovative, and enthusiasts are betting that this may have to do with an impending new VR device. Because over five years have passed since the Valve Index was released, the timing suggests that the company may be getting ready to introduce the Valve Index 2.

Dataminer leaks bring in authenticity

Industry observer and VR dataminer SadlyItsBradley, has recently commented that the latest SteamVR beta includes references to "Frames." His find, shared on X (formerly Twitter), appears to indicate that Valve might be experimenting with features related to Valve's Steam Frame trademark.

This follows earlier leaks surrounding a device codenamed "Deckard," rumored to be Valve's next-generation VR headset. If the dataminer is accurate, then the Valve Index 2 may already be in the works, possibly as a standalone or a hybrid device.

Competition in the VR space

Valve is strongly tested with competition in the virtual reality space. Meta is still unchallenged with the Quest line, and Sony has beefed up its PlayStation VR2 options. Still, the majority of Steam users are interested in a high-quality, PC-focused headset from Valve itself.

The original Valve Index was acclaimed for its crisp visuals, state-of-the-art controllers, and otherworldly play. But hardware has been advancing at breakneck speed since it debuted in 2019. A new Valve Index 2 would need to offer improved optics, wireless capabilities, and improved ergonomics to be competitive in today's environment.

Why now could be the right moment

There are several reasons that suggest now may be the moment for Valve to get back into VR.

·         Retro hardware: The older Index is still respected but old-fashioned alongside newer headsets.

·         Steam Deck success tale: Valve has proven it can release solid hardware, and the Steam Deck has been praised and seen consistent sales.

·         VR market growth: Meta is driving adoption while Apple has entered mixed reality, and VR is gaining mainstream attention.

The intersection of these factors renders the release of a Valve Index 2 not just reasonable but even strategically viable for Valve.

 What Steam Frame could be

While hype is brewing, it is worth noting that a trademark is not always followed by a product launch. Steam Frame could be a console, a streamer, or even a new line of controllers. However, the VR-leaked-related rumors lend credibility to the headset hypothesis.

If Steam Frame is actually part of Valve's VR plan, it could be the name under which it sells the Valve Index 2. Merging the headset with better controllers and more integrated Steam features would allow Valve to be an equal competitor with Meta and Sony.

What’s Ahead?

Valve has remained silent on the trademark filings, leaving fans more in the dark than light. Speculation is currently rampant, with the mounting evidence suggesting that a Valve Index 2 is possible.

Whether Steam Frame is the final name of the headset or the beginning of something bigger within Valve's VR ecosystem, gamers are waiting for whatever Valve has in store. With the original Index still being the best PC VR equipment, an upgrade to next-gen would flip the industry on its head once again.

Until Valve officially confirms, players can only wait for additional leaks and intel. But this is for sure: the buzz about the Valve Index 2 is growing louder each passing day.