Valve’s upcoming Steam Body digital actuality headset has appeared on the FCC’s web site, showcasing exterior and inside photos of the headset and controller, in addition to antenna take a look at outcomes. However it additionally revealed some intriguing details about an “Fanatic Equipment” that may reportedly include hot-swappable batteries. That seems like an actual nice-to-have characteristic, but when it is a part of an non-obligatory equipment, it might make what’s more likely to already be an costly buy much more so.
Valve introduced the Steam Body alongside the Steam Machine final yr, and although we nonetheless do not have agency launch dates or ultimate pricing info (possible delayed due to international reminiscence shortages), Valve has been leaping by means of hoops on its technique to launch day. That features FCC certification, which provides us official filings to pore over. These have revealed some intriguing details about the headset and its equipment.
Mentions of the Fanatic Equipment seem within the well being and security guide. It reads that the “controller triggers, face gasket attachment, and the Fanatic accent battery pack embrace magnets.” It goes on, “The Body Fanatic equipment additionally features a hot-swappable lithium-ion battery pack,” and warns customers to “use solely the battery pack that got here together with your Fanatic equipment, or a licensed substitute battery pack.”
The usual Body has its personal battery, but it surely sounds just like the Fanatic Equipment improve pack will embrace at the least one extra battery that may be hot-swapped throughout use. It isn’t clear whether or not an extra inside battery will stop {hardware} shutdown when the usual battery is eliminated, or whether or not the Fanatic Equipment will exchange the usual battery with a swappable one.
Credit score: Valve through FCC
What’s going to completely be true, although, is that any extra improve packs, Fanatic Kits, or equipment shall be pricey. The Steam Body is already projected to value at the least $700, and probably nearer to $1,000, given current value will increase throughout different {hardware}. Further batteries and another equipment that include this equipment are more likely to value a number of hundred {dollars} extra.
Different points of the FCC submitting are fascinating, too, together with a close-up have a look at the controllers and the way they’re laid out.
Look out for extra Steam Body particulars later this summer season. If it launches alongside the Steam Machine, its debut might not be distant.
