Steam Deck 2: Specs, Release Date, Features & Everything You Need to Know

The Steam Deck 2 is one of the most anticipated devices in gaming. Valve has confirmed a new generation is coming, but they are not rushing things, aiming for a significant leap over the original. Here’s everything you need to know, based on all reliable news and rumors as of August 2025.

Release Date

• No launch in 2025: The next Steam Deck is expected in late 2026 at the earliest. Valve has said they are waiting for significant generational advancements in hardware and battery life, rather than small, incremental upgrades.
• Valve will only release Steam Deck 2 when they can deliver a truly substantial improvement in gaming performance, display, and battery.

Expected Specs

• Processor & Graphics: Powered by a new custom AMD chip, likely with Zen 4 or Zen 6 CPU cores and RDNA 3 or 4 graphics. The focus is on much greater efficiency and processing power.
• Display: Bright OLED display (7.4–8 inches) with a higher 900p resolution, 90Hz refresh rate, and variable refresh rate support for smoother gaming.
• RAM: High-speed LPDDR5X, with minimum 16GB and potentially higher capacities in premium models.
• Storage: Models likely to start at 512GB NVMe SSD, with larger options (up to 2TB) thanks to lower flash memory prices.
• Battery Life: Targeting at least 40% longer battery versus the current model, aiming for 5–7 hours of typical game time.
• Controls & Build: Hall effect thumbsticks (drift-proof), improved triggers, enhanced speakers and haptics, and better cooling for quiet, comfortable sessions.
• Connectivity & Features: Next-gen Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5+, and possible AI-based upscaling or battery optimization features.

Performance and Experience

• Valve aims for a real generational leap: smooth 60 FPS AAA gaming at 900p or higher and strong battery life, clearly outpacing competitors in both raw power and efficiency.

Pricing Expectations

• The entry-level Steam Deck 2 will likely be priced between $499 and $599 USD, with upper-tier configurations possibly up to $799 or more.
• The $399 starting price of the first Steam Deck is unlikely to return due to higher hardware costs and premium display upgrades.

Ecosystem and Compatibility

• Backwards compatibility with all Steam games and SteamOS will be preserved.
• Improved docking options, better accessory support, and expanded controller features are expected.
• Rumors of a future home console version exist, but details are still unconfirmed and the focus remains on portable hardware.

Should You Wait or Buy a Steam Deck OLED?

• Steam Deck OLED is an excellent buy, with regular discounts and continued support from Valve. It remains the best option for handheld PC gaming right now.
• If you want the absolute best future-ready device, you’ll need to wait until at least late 2026 for Steam Deck 2’s launch.

Steam Deck 2 vs Original: Comparison Table

Conclusion

Steam Deck 2 will deliver major upgrades in performance, display, battery, and build quality—but it’s not coming until at least late 2026. For most gamers, the Steam Deck OLED remains the best handheld PC option for the foreseeable future, but the next generation is shaping up to be worth the wait.