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What could possibly be a little prank from Valve, the unfinished Steam store pages for the Valve Index, Valve Index Base Station and Valve Index Controllers went online a little too early. Yes, really, this is not a prank from us! SteamDB were quick as usual to spot it.

On them, they show an expected shipping date for June 15th. However, going by the information posted it seems the Valve Index will require a SteamVR 2.0 Base Station and Controllers which look to be sold separately. Presumably, Valve will do some sort of bundle with them all together.

The store pages already went down (and up again and likely down again soon) but I managed to capture them quickly for you. Click the below picture to view the gallery of oops brokenness (also on Wayback Machine #1 #2 #3):

Is this an April Fools from Valve or just a rather unfortunate screw-up? I'm going with a screw-up, considering their teaser image mentioned May and so it would be rather stupid to even tease it in this way before hand, or perhaps a genius marketing move? I haven't made up my mind on that one—you decide.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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16 comments

Julius Apr 1, 2019
Probably a screw-up... but brightening the image confirms what previous leaks have shown: there is a strange modular part below the face-plate that can probably be replaced and seems to be / might be connected via a USB port.
Arehandoro Apr 1, 2019
If the release date is real, June 15, that would be just after the E3. Probably with tones of games announced and most people very hyped. Not a bad move, unless April's fool is behind this.
MayeulC Apr 1, 2019
As strange as it might sound, it seems that Valve has leak issues.

Well, at least there wasn't too much content on those pages.


Last edited by MayeulC on 1 April 2019 at 8:47 pm UTC
Brisse Apr 1, 2019
In this industry, "leaks" are often intentional and a way to build hype. Not saying that's the case here, but it's certainly a possibility.
sub Apr 1, 2019
If the release date is real, June 15, that would be just after the E3. Probably with tones of games announced and most people very hyped. Not a bad move, unless April's fool is behind this.

If they announce a Half Life VR, which turns out to be amazing but is only accessible through a VR system, I start out crying immediately.

A new PC + VR is beyond what I'm willing to invest. :/
kuhpunkt Apr 1, 2019
"Following the leak of the Steam product page for the Valve Index headset (detailed below), a spokesperson for Valve tells Road to VR that the information “while not comprehensive, is accurate.” The spokesperson also said that the company is targeting May 1st for a full reveal of the headset which will include pre-orders, with shipping planned some time in June (though the exact date is not yet confirmed). Knuckles will also be sold alongside Index, and Valve plans to call them “Valve Index Controllers” going forward."

https://www.roadtovr.com/valve-index-vr-headset-leaked-steam-page-release-date/
danniello Apr 1, 2019
OK, but where is any kind of a new information in it? Except shipping date - nothing. So in my opinion it is not leak, but "clever" marketing.

Or maybe... This "leak" is for reconcile users that it will be sold in the same way like it is HTC Vive Pro sold. I mean - it will be expensive. Very expensive. In VivePro/Apple way - every component sold separately with insane price. HTC at least have old Vive "budget" version...
slaapliedje Apr 1, 2019
As strange as it might sound, it seems that Valve has leak issues.

Well, at least there wasn't too much content on those pages.
Damn leaky Valves, need more Teflon tape!
Hal_Kado Apr 1, 2019
Looks like an unintentional leak to me. I think the interesting bit is the multiple cameras seem to indicate inside-out tracking, but they are still offering base stations....perhaps the headset will offer both options (which would be awesome IMO). It also seems virtualLink will not make it into this headset.


Last edited by Hal_Kado on 1 April 2019 at 9:54 pm UTC
Purple Library Guy Apr 1, 2019
There's something sorta "Star Wars" looking about it.
TheRiddick Apr 2, 2019
I think Valve should also release with this a wireless upgrade pack, this whole tether thing is a turnoff for VR, at least for me.
Aeder Apr 2, 2019
If the release date is real, June 15, that would be just after the E3. Probably with tones of games announced and most people very hyped. Not a bad move, unless April's fool is behind this.

If they announce a Half Life VR, which turns out to be amazing but is only accessible through a VR system, I start out crying immediately.

A new PC + VR is beyond what I'm willing to invest. :/

I'm in the same boat. Even worse is, Steam makes absolutely no effort to sell their hardware here, so I would also have to pay a third party to sell and ship the headseat to me.
kuhpunkt Apr 2, 2019
Looks like an unintentional leak to me. I think the interesting bit is the multiple cameras seem to indicate inside-out tracking, but they are still offering base stations....perhaps the headset will offer both options (which would be awesome IMO). It also seems virtualLink will not make it into this headset.

The cameras won't be for inside-out tracking, just for pass-through and maybe handtracking or something.
Beamboom Apr 2, 2019
The cameras won't be for inside-out tracking, just for pass-through and maybe handtracking or something.

I would assume it's primarily for AR?
Beamboom Apr 2, 2019
Sold! So very sold.
I love how Linux is already stated as a platform. This will be great!
Ardje Apr 2, 2019
The cameras won't be for inside-out tracking, just for pass-through and maybe handtracking or something.

I would assume it's primarily for AR?
I think it is used to show your mom is in the room, so it is time to pull your pants up and stop virtual girlfriend and start beatsaber, all while pretending you don't know she is in the room.

Man, I wish I lived with my mom again, so I could just experience the awkward situation.
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