Release of the Valve Index

The Valve Index, a high-end virtual reality headset developed by Valve Corporation, officially launched on June 28, 2019. As Valve's first VR system developed entirely in-house, the Index was designed to push the boundaries of immersion, comfort, and precision in virtual gaming. The system included advanced features such as dual 1440x1600 LCD displays with a 120Hz refresh rate (and an experimental 144Hz mode), ultra-wide field of view, and off-ear speakers for spatial audio. Its standout component was the Index Controllers (also known as "Knuckles"), which allowed for individual finger tracking—enabling more natural, intuitive interactions in VR. The release of the Valve Index positioned Valve as a serious competitor in the premium VR space, aiming to improve upon both the hardware limitations and motion control shortcomings of earlier headsets. While expensive, the Index was praised for its build quality, visual fidelity, and precision tracking through its SteamVR base stations. Its capabilities were fully showcased in Half-Life: Alyx, released in 2020, which many consider one of VR’s best and most immersive gaming experiences. The Valve Index not only elevated consumer expectations for virtual reality but also helped cement VR as a viable, creative medium for storytelling and gameplay.