Steam Frame controllers use AA batteries; FCC notes hot-swap pack

A Federal Communications Commission filing for Valve’s Steam Frame controllers shows the controllers use standard AA batteries and references a hot-swappable “Frame Enthusiast” battery pack accessory.

The public submission includes antenna and radio-frequency test results and interior photos of the controller. The images show two main circuit boards, a vibration motor and an AA cell powering the unit. The filing describes the controller circuitry but provides few additional hardware specifics.

A section labeled Users Manual _Statement names an Enthusiast accessory battery pack, Frame Enthusiast kit and Hot-Swappable Enthusiast battery pack, indicating an official add-on that supports hot swapping. The documents do not specify whether the accessory is intended to power the controllers, the headset, or both.

The filing offers mixed guidance on headset battery servicing. One part advises users not to replace damaged batteries and to contact a professional. A repairs section permits replacing a battery “in accordance with Valve’s instructions.” The document does not confirm a hot-swappable battery system built into the headset.

The current filing covers only the controllers; the headset hardware does not appear. Additional FCC submissions for the main headset could appear later and may disclose battery capacity, charging methods or wireless radios.

Valve has said the Steam Frame will arrive around the same time as the Steam Machine this summer, but the company has not announced exact release dates. The FCC submission was published as part of required testing and documentation to show compliance with federal radio and safety standards.