Included controls and tracking
Steam Frame includes a pair of controllers. The box also contains the headset, an eye-relief spacer, a wireless adapter for streaming games from a PC, an information booklet, and a USB-C cable.
Four high-resolution monochrome cameras provide tracking for both the controllers and the headset.
For standalone certification, a game must support Steam Frame physical controls, and its default controller configuration must provide access to all content.
Watch the setup overview to identify the included controller pair and the other items supplied in the box.Playing this video connects to YouTube.
Inputs for each play situation
| Play or setup situation | Controller behavior and action |
|---|---|
| Playing a VR game with the two controller modules | Use both modules together for the full VR controller layout. |
| Streaming a non-VR game from a PC | The two modules together provide a full gamepad layout, so you do not have to connect a separate controller solely for the streamed game. |
| A controller needs to be paired manually | Hold the Steam button and the thin View or Menu button together until the controller beeps, select Pair, and repeat for the other controller. |
The controllers have TMR thumb sticks, haptics, capacitive finger tracking, and one AA battery each. During testing, their reported battery level fell only to 75%.
Watch the hands-on controller segment to see the dual-module gamepad layout and the documented controller features.Playing this video connects to YouTube.
When a controller does not appear
- Open the dashboard and check whether both controllers appear. If either is missing, it may need to be paired manually.
- To pair one, hold Steam and the thin View or Menu button until it beeps, select Pair, and then repeat the process for the second controller.
- If you cannot navigate the initial menus with the controllers, use the Aux button on the right side of the headset just above the power button.
- For a dark play area, the headset uses infrared illuminators intended to keep controller and headset tracking effective.