Valve has officially confirmed that it is no longer producing the Valve Index VR headset, marking the end of an era for one of the most highly regarded tethered virtual reality systems on the market. The company is currently clearing out its remaining inventory of the discontinued hardware, offering a substantial price reduction on the headsets themselves.
The original launch price for the Valve Index VR headset was $499 when it debuted in April 2019. According to current listings on the Valve store, the headset is now available for $399.20. This price cut coincides with the recent release of the Steam Frame, a new wireless VR device that Valve describes as rendering the older, tethered model obsolete.
Index VR headset pricing and availability
While the headsets are discounted, the broader ecosystem for the Index is being phased out. The complete package, which previously included the headset, controllers, and base stations for $999, is no longer available for purchase. Valve has also removed the right controller replacement from its store, leaving only the left controller replacement at $119.20 and replacement tethers at $103.20.
A Steam news item published earlier this week stated that remaining Index headsets, controllers, and accessories are still available at the new prices while supplies last. The company has not specified how many units remain in stock, suggesting that interested buyers should act quickly if they wish to acquire the hardware.
End of an era for tethered VR
The Valve Index was widely praised upon its release. At the time, it was considered the best VR headset available, offering high-fidelity visuals and precise tracking. However, the landscape of virtual reality has shifted significantly since 2019. The popularity of standalone, wireless headsets like the Meta Quest has made the concept of being tethered to a PC feel dated to many users.
Valve designer Lawrence Yang hinted at the discontinuation of the Index last year, but this recent announcement serves as the first official confirmation from the company. The move aligns with Valve’s strategy to transition toward wireless VR solutions with the introduction of the Steam Frame.
For collectors or enthusiasts who prefer the specific hardware characteristics of the Index, the current discount offers a rare opportunity to purchase the device. However, the lack of right controller replacements and the unavailability of base stations may pose challenges for those looking to set up a complete system. Buyers will likely need to source these components from third-party markets if they decide to invest in the discontinued hardware.
Source: PC Gamer
