In December 2024, Steam saw its second-highest percentage of users playing with a virtual reality (VR) headset since records began, when accounting for China’s massive user base.
According to Valve’s data, approximately 2.13% of Steam customers owned a virtual reality headset by December 2024. Without further refinement, the statement lacks specificity and nuance.
When examining the monthly figures released by Valve, it’s noteworthy that the growth can be adjusted for changes in the proportion of non-Chinese language users, as China largely operates a separate VR market; this month sees the second-highest result on record.
Despite the lack of adjustments, the data surprisingly suggests that more Steam enthusiasts utilize a VR headset than opt for macOS or own an RTX 4090 GPU. While a minority of users employ a virtual reality (VR) headset, the numbers are roughly comparable to those utilizing Linux, with the Steam Deck serving as a notable exception, whereas around half as many people own a VR headset compared to those possessing a 4K primary monitor. While PC-based virtual reality (VR) remains an niche interest, its appeal is no more extraordinary than that of a high-performance gaming device like the Steam Deck or a premium graphics card from NVIDIA.
According to reports, following the Meta Horizon app’s rise to the #1 free iPhone app spot on Christmas Day, the Quest headset demand appears to have skyrocketed, with Quest 3S reportedly outselling traditional video game consoles on Amazon US during the holiday season, indicating a significant surge in standalone and PC VR adoption.
Dramatically outpacing their peers, the Oculus Quest 3S and Valve Index have seen an exponential surge in usage rates. We previously reported on November’s data, noting some Quest 3S usage was categorized as ‘Quest 3’. As a result, we can confidently state that Quest 3 and Quest 3S together accounted for 22.1% of SteamVR usage in December.
As the clock strikes 2025, a tidal wave of cutting-edge, high-end PC-based virtual reality headsets, boasting breathtaking 4K micro-OLED displays, is poised to make its mark on the market, accompanied by the Shiftall MeganeX’s superlight design and Pimax Dream Air’s promise of unparalleled immersion. While pricey, these headsets may struggle to drive new adoption, but could potentially boost loyalty among existing enthusiasts. As Valve’s highly anticipated headset nears release, leaks in November hint that 2025 might be the year the company finally revamps its premium virtual reality offerings.
