WaterField Designs launches Shield Case for Valve's Steam Frame VR headset
WaterField Designs has introduced the Shield Case for Steam Frame, a compact protective case for Valve's Steam Frame VR headset, which ships without a dedicated carrying case. The San Francisco company says the case holds the headset, both controllers and the included wireless adapter.
- WaterField Designs introduced the Shield Case for Valve's Steam Frame VR headset, which ships without a carrying case.
- The case holds the headset, both controllers and the wireless adapter, with an interior Padded Accessory Case.
- It costs $169, or $189 with full-grain leather; a 1-inch shoulder strap is $25.
- Non-leather models ship now, and leather models ship Nov. 12, 2026.
- The case measures 10.5 x 8.5 x 5 inches with a 5-liter capacity.
A case built around the headset and its accessories
According to WaterField Designs, the Shield Case is designed and handcrafted in San Francisco. It uses a structured, foam-reinforced, fleece-lined interior to protect and organize the Steam Frame for home storage and travel. The company notes that the headset supports wireless PC game streaming and standalone play, whether at home, in a hotel room or at a friend's house.
A key part of the design is an interior Padded Accessory Case. It sits between the goggles and the headband, and its main compartment holds both controllers. An Ultrasuede® pocket holds the included wireless adapter, and owners with an Arcturus Vision Camera can store the camera there alongside the adapter. According to WaterField, the padded compartment also cushions and helps stabilize the headset.
"We wanted to give the Steam Frame a protected place between gaming sessions and make it easy to take the whole setup along," said company founder Gary Waterfield. He added: "The tricky part was fitting the controllers without making the case larger than it needed to be."
Protection, storage and materials
Firm foam reinforces all sides of both the Shield Case and the Padded Accessory Case inside it. The interior is lined with three-layer, foam-padded fleece, and cushioned zipper guards are meant to protect the headset from scratches. The sides of the Padded Accessory Case are also fleece-covered.
The headset fits with its headband extended or collapsed, and with or without the eye spacer attached. Other storage options include:
- A plush, padded pocket in the main case for a power adapter, power cables and other accessories.
- A diagonal zippered front pocket for a USB-C cable, cleaning cloth or other small items.
- A hidden pocket that holds an AirTag.
Each case is handcrafted in small batches from 1680-denier ballistic nylon, 15-ounce waxed canvas, or Forza, a high-performance nylon with a two-tone basketweave. Select versions have full-grain leather accents. Waterproof YKK zippers and custom metal hardware complete the build. For carrying, a wide padded handle allows hand carry, and D-rings accommodate an optional 1-inch shoulder strap, which is not included.
Pricing, sizes and availability
The Shield Case for Steam Frame costs $169 in ballistic nylon, waxed canvas or Forza, and $189 in ballistic nylon or waxed canvas with full-grain leather. The optional 1-inch Cam Lock Shoulder Strap costs $25.
Available colors are black ballistic nylon, tan waxed canvas, blue Forza, titanium Forza, black ballistic nylon with black full-grain leather, and tan waxed canvas with chocolate full-grain leather.
The case measures 10.5 x 8.5 x 5 inches and has a capacity of 5 liters. Non-leather models weigh 1 pound, and models with leather weigh 1.25 pounds. Non-leather models ship now, while models with leather ship Nov. 12, 2026.
What it means for Steam Frame owners
Because the Steam Frame comes without a dedicated carrying case, owners who want to transport the headset with its controllers and adapter need a third-party option. WaterField positions the Shield Case for that role, with a fit designed around the headset and its included accessories. WaterField Designs was founded in 1998 and makes laptop bags, backpacks, travel bags and gaming cases in San Francisco.
