Steam Deck 2: What We Know So Far

4/26/2024

Steam Deck 2: What We Know So Far

Valve’s Steam Deck has been making waves in the gaming community, offering a handheld PC gaming experience that bridges the gap between traditional consoles and gaming laptops. But what about its successor, the Steam Deck 2?

Steam Deck OLED Sale

Let’s dive into what we know so far.

Release Date Estimate

Valve has already released the Steam Deck OLED, an upgraded version of the original Steam Deck. However, the company is not stopping there. According to Valve designer Lawrence Yang, a true next-gen Steam Deck with a significant bump in horsepower won’t be arriving for a few years. Our best estimate for the Steam Deck 2 release date is around 2026. In the meantime, we might see a refresh of the original Steam Deck with improved battery life and a better display.

Features and Rumors

While Valve has kept details about the Steam Deck 2 under wraps, there are some features and rumors we can speculate on:

  1. Modularity: Many handheld enthusiasts hope that the Steam Deck 2 will be modular. This would allow users to customize and upgrade specific components without needing multiple versions of the device.

  2. Price: Valve co-founder Gabe Newell previously described hitting the $399 USD / £349 MSRP for the base model of the Steam Deck as “painful.” Given rising material costs, it’s likely that the Steam Deck 2 could cost more. The Steam Deck OLED already starts at $549, so a fully kitted and upgraded Steam Deck 2 might put a tight squeeze on wallets.

  3. Tech Leap: Valve is waiting for a significant leap in technology before making major strides with the Steam Deck 2. While we don’t have specifics, this suggests that Valve is aiming for substantial improvements over the original Steam Deck.

Valve’s Plans

Valve co-founder Gabe Newell confirmed that they are already thinking about the Steam Deck 2. Sales of the original Steam Deck have both surprised and guided their plans for the second-generation handheld. However, Valve’s Pierre-Loup Griffais clarified that the Steam Deck 2 won’t arrive for at least the next couple of years. So, while we wait, let’s keep our eyes peeled for any official announcements from Valve.

In conclusion, the Steam Deck 2 is on the horizon, but patience will be key. As technology evolves and Valve continues to innovate, we can expect exciting developments in portable gaming. Stay tuned!

Disclaimer: The information provided here is based on available sources and may be subject to change as Valve reveals more details about the Steam Deck 2.