From the Steam Frame purchase page FAQ:
How do I buy the Steam Frame accessories?
First-party accessories (the PSU, Accessories Replacement Kit, and Ergonomic Accessories Kit) will only be available to customers purchasing their Steam Frame as part of the add-to-cart process.
For the PSU, that policy is fine. I wish it didn’t exist, but it’s… alright. A user might change their mind after they use the device for a while and wish they had purchased a PSU, but many users probably know at the time of purchase if they’ll want one. Furthermore, anyone buying a PSU may as well buy one of the many third-party options available (whether purchasing it along with the Frame or purchasing well after the fact).
The ergo kit is a little harder to swallow. Many users may be able to predict that they’ll need it, but many users will only determine that it is necessary after using the device for a while and realizing that the head strap is not that comfortable, the hand straps would be useful, etc.
But for the accessory replacement kit, no one knows they need it until months after using the device and their face cushion starts to wear away or something. Being that customers are only able to purchase that item by adding it to their cart along with their Frame purchase, that means all customers will have to make a prediction as to whether or not they will use the device enough that these parts will eventually need replacing. They also have to predict how much wear the stock face pad will take. They also have to estimate how long the replacement pad will last and consider actually purchasing multiple accessory replacement kits along with their Frame?
Most people are mad about the power supply from what I’ve seen, but I can’t get over the fact that it doesn’t ship with hand straps by default. That seems absolutely insane to me.
I’m actually very happy they omitted the charger. Would have just been chucked in a drawer next to my Steam Deck charger still in the box.
But yeah, the hand straps are wild. Those are a necessity. And $60!? WTF
The light blocker is the one that seems insane to me, since it is such a vital part of VR.
Tbh my old Vive leaked light like crazy and it was annoying but I wouldn’t describe it as “vital”. Maybe immersions breaking at worst, like a dusty monitor.
In Asia they don’t even have the option to buy them yet. Like, at all.
I suspect that will change once the scarcity and scalping issues fade back. This is also the kind of stuff that 3rd parties will be able to produce too. I wouldn’t buy accessories like that until you need them; it’s wasteful to spend money on something you may never need.
I haven’t needed to replace the foam on my Index and I’ve had it for years.
They probably don’t expect you to need a replacement for a while, and by the time you do, they will be for sale.
Seems like they’re using “fuck you” pricing for most of the “accessories”. Third party market going to get interesting I hope.
The accessories pricing is almost certainly to help subsidize the price of the Frame itself. Makes for a cheaper cost of entry.
Oh, absolutely. Just was scratching my head looking at the prices for some of them.
After purchase ive seen that i the order buttons for the addons still work so i guess/hope that my purchase unlocked thot for a time when i need it
To the top!
This seems pretty reasonable of them actually
This should be the top comment. It’s basically the solution. They should just ammend their wording to say that you can buy the accessories after buying the Frame.
As a vivit Index user, if you want to stretch it you can last like a thousand hours. If you are a sweaty person or plan to do a lot of exercises, or like a clean gasket, I recommend tuning that number down
I guess if it wears out fast you can contact steam support and get a replacement / buy a new one.
![[Frame] I have to purchase the accessory replacement kit before I actually need it?](https://quokk.au/static/media/posts/Oq/Ij/OqIj0UWjq26zuLa.webp){kind=link}