Valve’s Steam Frame headset is launching at a much higher price than originally planned, with the base model set at $1,059. The company points to soaring memory and storage costs for the jump.
3:48 PMThe Verge60 stories from 3 sources
Valve’s pricey Steam Frame defines the day’s biggest gaming story
Day’s Recap
Supporting Articles
After nearly three weeks with Valve's Steam Frame, the verdict is less about mainstream VR and more about how much tinkering you can tolerate. The headset is an expensive wearable PC that can handle VR, flat games, and plenty of experimental setups.
1:00 PMThe Verge
Valve has brought Half-Life: Alyx to the Steam Frame's ARM-based hardware, making the acclaimed VR game playable locally on the new headset. Every Steam Frame includes a copy at no extra charge.
1:00 PMThe Verge
After three weeks testing the Steam Frame, reviewer Sean Hollister is taking questions about Valve's new headset. The conversation focuses on its mix of standalone gaming, PC streaming, and the possibility that it points toward a more portable future for games.
1:00 PMThe Verge
The proposed EU Kids Act is set to go before the European Parliament and could require players to verify their age before accessing certain games. If approved, the rules could affect both children and adults, depending on how the restrictions are applied.
6:05 PMIGN
Valve has released its latest batch of hardware, including the Steam Controller, Steam Machine, and Steam Frame. But a follow-up to the Steam Deck still does not have a clear timeline, with the company weighing how and when to make it happen.
8:13 PMThe Verge
The director of Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls apologized for the game’s troubled PC launch and laid out planned balance changes. The development team is using early player feedback and its own findings to guide the updates.
1:38 PMIGN
Ubisoft has delayed Rayman Legends Retold, its remake of the 2013 platformer, until December. The move comes less than a month before the game was expected to arrive.
1:26 PMPolygon
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has reportedly been spending part of her first six months in the job answering customer support tickets herself. That hands-on approach comes after major changes across Xbox, including marketing shifts, a Game Pass price cut, layoffs and studio restructuring.
5:20 PMIGN
Evolve is getting a second life thanks to modders, who have restored working multiplayer for Turtle Rock’s 2015 monster-hunting shooter. A new community launcher is helping players get back into the game without relying on its long-gone official support.
4:56 PMPolygon
Sega and Netflix are turning Crazy Taxi into a movie, bringing the chaotic arcade series to the screen. The announcement also includes adaptations of Sonic and Stranger Than Heaven.
1:31 PMPolygon3:48 PMThe Verge
Valve’s virtual reality plans hit actual reality
Summary
Valve’s Steam Frame headset is launching at a much higher price than originally planned, with the base model set at $1,059. The company points to soaring memory and storage costs for the jump.
That price puts the headset firmly in enthusiast territory, even if Valve had hoped to
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Valve’s next VR push may be impressive, but its price could keep it out of reach for most players.
3 stories · 2 sources
1:00 PMThe Verge
The Steam Frame is made for irresponsible hardware nerds like me
Summary
After nearly three weeks with Valve's Steam Frame, the verdict is less about mainstream VR and more about how much tinkering you can tolerate. The headset is an expensive wearable PC that can handle VR, flat games, and plenty of experimental setups.
At $1,059 and up, this is not an impulse buy. It is aimed squarely at
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The Steam Frame looks most compelling as a flexible playground for enthusiasts, not as a mass-market VR device.
1:00 PMThe Verge
Valve has ported Half-Life: Alyx to ARM, and it’s free with Steam Frame
Summary
Valve has brought Half-Life: Alyx to the Steam Frame's ARM-based hardware, making the acclaimed VR game playable locally on the new headset. Every Steam Frame includes a copy at no extra charge.
That is a strong launch bonus, especially since Alyx remains one of VR's best showcases.
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Alyx gives the Steam Frame an immediate killer app while showing that ARM can handle serious VR gaming.
1:00 PMThe Verge
I reviewed Valve’s Steam Frame, ask me anything
Summary
After three weeks testing the Steam Frame, reviewer Sean Hollister is taking questions about Valve's new headset. The conversation focuses on its mix of standalone gaming, PC streaming, and the possibility that it points toward a more portable future for games.
The Frame is interesting because it blurs the line between a VR headset and a
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The hands-on discussion offers a closer look at whether Valve's ambitious hardware actually works beyond the launch pitch.
6:05 PMIGN
EU Kids Act Could Require Gamers to Prove Their Age Before Playing Certain Games
Summary
The proposed EU Kids Act is set to go before the European Parliament and could require players to verify their age before accessing certain games. If approved, the rules could affect both children and adults, depending on how the restrictions are applied.
Age checks are often pitched as child-safety tools, but they can also add friction and
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
A new European rule could change how millions of people access games.
8:13 PMThe Verge
Valve is still figuring out ‘how and when’ to do Steam Deck 2
Summary
Valve has released its latest batch of hardware, including the Steam Controller, Steam Machine, and Steam Frame. But a follow-up to the Steam Deck still does not have a clear timeline, with the company weighing how and when to make it happen.
Valve seems more interested in getting the next handheld right than rushing out a faster
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The Steam Deck 2 is still a plan in progress, not a product waiting around the corner.
1:38 PMIGN
Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls Director Apologizes for Rough PC Launch and Outlines Upcoming Balance Changes
Summary
The director of Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls apologized for the game’s troubled PC launch and laid out planned balance changes. The development team is using early player feedback and its own findings to guide the updates.
A direct apology is a useful first step, but the fixes will matter more than
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The game’s recovery now depends on whether its promised fixes arrive quickly and actually improve the experience.
1:26 PMPolygon
Rayman Legends Retold Officially Delayed Less Than a Month Before Release
Summary
Ubisoft has delayed Rayman Legends Retold, its remake of the 2013 platformer, until December. The move comes less than a month before the game was expected to arrive.
Late delays are never ideal, but a little extra time is preferable to launching a
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The delay leaves Ubisoft's remake plans with more time to polish, but gives eager Rayman fans another month of waiting.
5:20 PMIGN
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma May Have Personally Responded to Your Customer Support Ticket
Summary
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has reportedly been spending part of her first six months in the job answering customer support tickets herself. That hands-on approach comes after major changes across Xbox, including marketing shifts, a Game Pass price cut, layoffs and studio restructuring.
It is an unusually direct way for an executive to learn where the company is
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The CEO is getting an unfiltered look at customer problems instead of relying only on internal reports.
4:56 PMPolygon
A Forgotten 2015 Shooter Just Got an Unexpected Revival
Summary
Evolve is getting a second life thanks to modders, who have restored working multiplayer for Turtle Rock’s 2015 monster-hunting shooter. A new community launcher is helping players get back into the game without relying on its long-gone official support.
Evolve never got the audience it deserved the first time around, but its unusual four-versus-one
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
A passionate modding community is bringing a nearly forgotten multiplayer game back from the dead.
1:31 PMPolygon
Sega and Netflix Announce an Official Crazy Taxi Movie
Summary
Sega and Netflix are turning Crazy Taxi into a movie, bringing the chaotic arcade series to the screen. The announcement also includes adaptations of Sonic and Stranger Than Heaven.
Crazy Taxi is an odd but recognizable choice for a film, especially since its appeal
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Another classic game franchise is heading to streaming, expanding Sega's push beyond consoles.
Other Developments
A curated list of other prominent stories from this day.
The Xbox 360 had plenty of blockbuster hits, but its library also included excellent games that slipped past most players. This roundup revisits 10 overlooked gems that deserved far more attention.
9:00 PMPolygon
Liam McIntyre has seen the harsh reactions aimed at him and Insomniac's Wolverine game. He is taking the criticism in stride rather than letting angry player comments get under his skin.
8:21 PMIGN
Blizzard is outlining how Diablo 5 plans to avoid the issues players had with Diablo 4's open-world design. The game will also include overlay maps from launch, giving players a familiar way to navigate dungeons and zones.
7:49 PMPolygon
Walmart is offering $10 off the LEGO Nintendo Game Boy building set through a tucked-away coupon code. It is a tempting pickup for fans who want a display piece that doubles as a nostalgic build.
7:30 PMIGN
Kaz is a new Steam roguelike that combines Balatro-style run-based gameplay with the scrappy, bizarre energy of old Newgrounds Flash games. Its unusual blend is already making it stand out among Steam's crowded crop of roguelikes.
7:08 PMPolygon
A ranking rounds up the 10 best Marvel video games across different eras and genres. The picks stand out because they offer more than recognizable heroes, with gameplay loops strong enough to carry the experience.
7:01 PMPolygon
Wardogs players are reportedly steering clear of the Lonestar faction because it has developed a reputation for attracting poor teammates and losing more often. The faction's stigma has become strong enough to affect which side players choose before a match even starts.
6:21 PMIGN
A new fantasy party game mixes tabletop role-playing flavor with drinking-game rules. Players can expect a D&D-inspired setup built for group play, with the drinks folded directly into the action.
5:30 PMIGN
Magic: The Gathering’s Alchemy format has produced some memorable digital-only cards, from wild Power Nine-inspired effects to designs that pushed Arena’s rules to the limit. This ranking picks out the 10 cards that best capture Alchemy’s mix of experimentation and chaos.
4:30 PMPolygon
A recent effort to boycott PlayStation by avoiding the platform reportedly did not create a significant change in player counts or engagement. An analyst found little measurable impact from the blackout.
4:09 PMIGN
Nintendo has finally revealed the release timing and price for a Zelda: Ocarina of Time-themed Switch 2 accessory that was missing from its earlier gameplay presentation. Pre-orders are now open, giving fans a clearer look at the hardware tied to the classic game’s return.
3:59 PMPolygon
Nintendo is discounting a wide range of Switch games and accessories through its digital store, Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. The sale is tied to tariff-related refunds from the US government and runs through September 26 at 8:59 PM PT.
3:30 PMThe Verge
Wardogs, a new online first-person shooter, has climbed the Steam charts since its September 10 release. It is already available for $33 through Fanatical.
3:06 PMIGN
Blizzard’s World of Warcraft Forever concept could offer a friendlier entry point than the modern game, while still building on the appeal of Classic WoW. The idea appears aimed at new players, lapsed veterans, and anyone who finds the current version too sprawling to approach casually.
2:30 PMPolygon
Nintendo’s original Switch Pro Controller has fallen to $56 as part of the company’s Customer Appreciation sale. The controller also works with the newer Switch 2.
5:00 PMIGN
I Play Rocky is a game built around the world and imagery of Rocky, but its biggest question is how closely it echoes Sylvester Stallone’s famous screen persona. The review weighs whether that connection gives the game real identity or leaves it feeling like a novelty.
1:41 PMIGN
A possible leak from Lies of P publisher Neowiz appears to reveal the classic story that could inspire the Soulslike series' sequel. Nothing has been fully announced, but the clues have fans connecting the dots.
1:15 PMPolygon9:00 PMPolygon
10 Near-Perfect Xbox 360 Games Nobody Played
Summary
The Xbox 360 had plenty of blockbuster hits, but its library also included excellent games that slipped past most players. This roundup revisits 10 overlooked gems that deserved far more attention.
The 360's biggest legacy is not just Halo and Gears of War. Its deeper catalog
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
There may still be some outstanding Xbox 360 experiences hiding beyond the familiar classics.
8:21 PMIGN
Marvel's Wolverine Actor Liam McIntyre Isn't Fazed by Players' Brutal Comments About the Game
Summary
Liam McIntyre has seen the harsh reactions aimed at him and Insomniac's Wolverine game. He is taking the criticism in stride rather than letting angry player comments get under his skin.
Voice and performance actors often end up absorbing backlash for decisions they did not make.
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The game's criticism has reached its star, but it has not shaken his confidence.
7:49 PMPolygon
Blizzard Explains How Diablo 5 Avoids Diablo 4's Open-World Problem
Summary
Blizzard is outlining how Diablo 5 plans to avoid the issues players had with Diablo 4's open-world design. The game will also include overlay maps from launch, giving players a familiar way to navigate dungeons and zones.
The focus suggests Blizzard is taking player feedback seriously and trying to keep exploration from
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Diablo 5 appears to be correcting one of its predecessor's most divisive design choices.
7:30 PMIGN
Save $10 Off the LEGO Nintendo Game Boy Building Set With Walmart's Hidden Coupon Code
Summary
Walmart is offering $10 off the LEGO Nintendo Game Boy building set through a tucked-away coupon code. It is a tempting pickup for fans who want a display piece that doubles as a nostalgic build.
The set already blends two powerful nostalgia machines, LEGO and Nintendo, so a discount makes
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
A hidden coupon turns a pricey gaming collectible into a slightly friendlier purchase.
7:08 PMPolygon
New Steam Game Is Like Balatro Meets Newgrounds-Era Flash Games
Summary
Kaz is a new Steam roguelike that combines Balatro-style run-based gameplay with the scrappy, bizarre energy of old Newgrounds Flash games. Its unusual blend is already making it stand out among Steam's crowded crop of roguelikes.
That comparison is a strong pitch: familiar strategic hooks wrapped in the kind of oddball
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Kaz shows there is still plenty of room for fresh ideas in the roguelike format.
7:01 PMPolygon
The 10 Best Marvel Video Games Of All Time
Summary
A ranking rounds up the 10 best Marvel video games across different eras and genres. The picks stand out because they offer more than recognizable heroes, with gameplay loops strong enough to carry the experience.
Marvel has produced plenty of forgettable tie-ins, which makes the genuinely great games easier to
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The best Marvel games succeed as games first and superhero adaptations second.
6:21 PMIGN
Wardogs Players Are Avoiding One of the Game's Factions Because It Has a Stigma of Attracting the Stupidest Players
Summary
Wardogs players are reportedly steering clear of the Lonestar faction because it has developed a reputation for attracting poor teammates and losing more often. The faction's stigma has become strong enough to affect which side players choose before a match even starts.
That is how a multiplayer in-joke becomes a real gameplay problem: perception can make one
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
A faction's reputation may be shaping the player base as much as its actual strengths and weaknesses.
5:30 PMIGN
This Fantasy Party Game Combines Drinking Rules With D&D-Themed Gameplay
Summary
A new fantasy party game mixes tabletop role-playing flavor with drinking-game rules. Players can expect a D&D-inspired setup built for group play, with the drinks folded directly into the action.
It is a knowingly chaotic combination, aimed less at deep campaign play and more at
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The game turns familiar fantasy role-playing ideas into a social party format.
4:30 PMPolygon
Magic’s 10 Best Alchemy Cards, Ranked Worst to Best
Summary
Magic: The Gathering’s Alchemy format has produced some memorable digital-only cards, from wild Power Nine-inspired effects to designs that pushed Arena’s rules to the limit. This ranking picks out the 10 cards that best capture Alchemy’s mix of experimentation and chaos.
Alchemy has always been Magic’s testing ground for ideas that would be difficult or impossible
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The list shows why Alchemy remains one of Magic’s most inventive, and divisive, formats.
4:09 PMIGN
PlayStation Blackout Boycott Had 'No Significant Change' on Player Counts or Engagement, Says Analyst
Summary
A recent effort to boycott PlayStation by avoiding the platform reportedly did not create a significant change in player counts or engagement. An analyst found little measurable impact from the blackout.
That does not mean the protest had no visibility, but it suggests online backlash did
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The boycott appears to have made more noise than commercial damage.
3:59 PMPolygon
Nintendo Opens the Zelda: Ocarina of Time Pre-orders Fans Were Waiting For
Summary
Nintendo has finally revealed the release timing and price for a Zelda: Ocarina of Time-themed Switch 2 accessory that was missing from its earlier gameplay presentation. Pre-orders are now open, giving fans a clearer look at the hardware tied to the classic game’s return.
The accessory’s quiet omission made it look like Nintendo might be holding it back, so
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Nintendo has turned a conspicuously absent Zelda accessory into another piece of launch-day anticipation.
3:30 PMThe Verge
The best deals from Nintendo’s ‘customer appreciation’ sale
Summary
Nintendo is discounting a wide range of Switch games and accessories through its digital store, Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. The sale is tied to tariff-related refunds from the US government and runs through September 26 at 8:59 PM PT.
It is an unusually broad sale from a company that does not often slash prices
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Nintendo is turning an unexpected refund into one of its more worthwhile shopping events.
3:06 PMIGN
Wardogs Is a Hit on Steam, and It’s Already on Sale for $33
Summary
Wardogs, a new online first-person shooter, has climbed the Steam charts since its September 10 release. It is already available for $33 through Fanatical.
A fast start on Steam can give a multiplayer shooter the player base it needs
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Wardogs is quickly becoming one of the PC multiplayer scene’s new games to watch.
2:30 PMPolygon
World of Warcraft Forever Will be the Easiest Way into WoW in 20 Years
Summary
Blizzard’s World of Warcraft Forever concept could offer a friendlier entry point than the modern game, while still building on the appeal of Classic WoW. The idea appears aimed at new players, lapsed veterans, and anyone who finds the current version too sprawling to approach casually.
WoW has accumulated two decades of systems, expansions, and homework, which can make starting fresh
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Blizzard may be trying to make WoW easier to start before its enormous legacy scares off another generation of players.
5:00 PMIGN
The OG Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Drops to $56 During Nintendo's Customer Appreciation Sale
Summary
Nintendo’s original Switch Pro Controller has fallen to $56 as part of the company’s Customer Appreciation sale. The controller also works with the newer Switch 2.
That is a solid price for one of Nintendo’s better first-party accessories, especially with compatibility
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Switch owners can pick up a reliable controller for less, with Switch 2 support included.
1:41 PMIGN
I Play Rocky Review
Summary
I Play Rocky is a game built around the world and imagery of Rocky, but its biggest question is how closely it echoes Sylvester Stallone’s famous screen persona. The review weighs whether that connection gives the game real identity or leaves it feeling like a novelty.
The concept has an obvious hook, but boxing games need more than a recognizable name
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
I Play Rocky is testing whether a beloved sports-film character can carry a modern game.
1:15 PMPolygon
Lies of P Leak All but Confirms Where the Series Goes Next
Summary
A possible leak from Lies of P publisher Neowiz appears to reveal the classic story that could inspire the Soulslike series' sequel. Nothing has been fully announced, but the clues have fans connecting the dots.
The original game already reworked a familiar tale into something grim and dangerous, so another
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
If the leak is accurate, the next Lies of P game may be expanding its dark storybook universe in a major way.
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