Valve has just dropped a bombshell with the announcement of three new devices: the Steam Frame, the next-gen Steam Machine, and a revamped Steam Controller. But here's the burning question on every gamer's mind: Where is the Steam Deck 2?
In an exclusive interview with Valve software engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais, we dug deeper into this mystery. While Valve isn’t ready to unveil the Steam Deck 2 just yet, Griffais assured us that the company has a 'pretty good idea' of what it wants to achieve. The holdup? Valve is waiting for technological advancements that will deliver a significant performance leap without sacrificing battery life—a critical factor for any handheld gaming device.
But here's where it gets controversial: Valve isn’t interested in a minor upgrade. Griffais emphasized, 'We're not looking at 20%, 30%, or even 50% more performance at the same battery life. We want something more transformative.' This means Valve is holding out for breakthroughs in silicon and architectural design that will truly justify a 'next-gen' label for the Steam Deck 2. As Griffais put it, 'Right now, there’s nothing in the System on a Chip (SoC) landscape that meets our vision.'
For some, this might feel like a letdown, especially given the Steam Deck’s aging hardware. Launched in February 2022, with the OLED model arriving in November 2023, the device is approaching its fourth year. While it boasts a vast library of verified games, it struggles with some modern PC titles. In September 2023, Griffais hinted that the next Steam Deck was at least two years away, dashing hopes for a holiday 2024 release. Clearly, that timeline remains unchanged.
And this is the part most people miss: Battery life is the real sticking point. As IGN’s review highlighted, the Steam Deck’s battery performance is a 'massive problem,' especially when running Windows. Even on SteamOS, games like God of War drain the battery in just 90 minutes. Valve’s reluctance to compromise on this front underscores its commitment to delivering a truly next-level experience.
While the Steam Deck 2 remains on the horizon, Valve fans have plenty to look forward to. The Steam Frame, next-gen Steam Machine, and Steam Controller are all set to make waves, and we’ve got exclusive coverage of these devices in our roundup. Meanwhile, we’ve also outlined our wishlist for the Steam Deck 2—check it out to see what we’re hoping for.
Thought-provoking question for you: Is Valve’s decision to wait for a transformative upgrade the right move, or should they release incremental improvements to keep up with the competition? Let us know in the comments below!
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Follow him on Twitter at @wyp100 or reach out via wesley_yinpoole@ign.com. For confidential tips, email wyp100@proton.me.
