Valve Broadens Steam With Android Integration

Valve is expanding Steam’s ecosystem with the Steam Frame, a wireless PC VR headset that also supports Android APKs. The company confirmed it will encourage developers to bring Android apps directly to Steam, positioning the Frame as a bridge between PC VR, mobile workflows, and ARM-based hardware.

The device runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip, allowing Android VR games to operate natively. Valve has launched a Steam Frame developer kit program to get hardware to studios ahead of release. The company says players should be able to download Android-based titles on Steam and start playing without needing to understand the underlying platform.

Android Support Aligns With Valve’s Wider ARM Push

The move arrives as many VR developers already build APKs for Meta Quest, making the Frame a natural additional platform. Valve engineer Jeremy Selan said developers familiar with mobile VR pipelines can now bring those builds to Steam, “and they’ll just work on this device.” Non-game Android tools may follow, though Valve maintains its core focus on gaming.

Valve is also working on deeper system features for the headset, including browser integration and floating windows to support basic multitasking. Users will be able to sideload APKs, according to reporting from Gamers Nexus, giving the device more flexibility at launch.

Beyond the headset, the initiative marks a strategic shift for Valve as Android faces regulatory changes. Google is preparing for policies that may force the platform to open to more app stores, a landscape that could eventually allow Steam to distribute mobile games on phones and tablets.

Valve also indicated that SteamOS may expand to additional ARM devices over time. Pierre-Loup Griffais said the Steam Frame helps pave the way for broader ARM compatibility across laptops and future handhelds.

By welcoming Android developers, Valve is positioning the Steam Frame as both a new VR platform and a potential entry point into mobile software distribution, widening Steam’s reach at a pivotal moment for the industry.