Valve has confirmed a brand new iteration of the Steam Deck is certainly within the works, even calling it “Steam Deck 2” by title, however there’s one factor holding them again; efficiency.
Two years in the past Valve helped change the sport with the discharge of the Steam Deck. Whereas the Nintendo Swap put handheld gaming again within the highlight, it wasn’t till the Steam Deck that trendy titles had an opportunity of working on something transportable.
Ever since, we’ve seen all types of rivals stake their declare available in the market, be it the ROG Ally or the Lenovo Legion. And whereas Valve is “heartened” by the competitors, they’re already onerous at work toiling away at what comes subsequent.
In talking with {Hardware} Engineer Yazan Aldehayyat and Designer Jay Shaw at PAX Australia, the 2 had been candid about Steam Deck’s future, overtly discussing its subsequent iteration with us whereas outlining the steps forward.
Steam Deck 2 is occurring, simply not anytime quickly
Given the Steam Deck itself remains to be comparatively new, with OLED fashions solely not too long ago spicing issues up, there’s no urgency for a brand new mannequin, particularly not a full-fledged successor. Nonetheless, Valve is already overtly speaking about simply that.
Whereas it’s clearly early days but and there’s nothing particular to be introduced, “We’re most actually seeking to the longer term,” Shaw assured. “The whole lot we’ve labored on up till now has led to the Steam Deck within the {hardware} house, and that is persevering with to tell a bunch of selections we’re making going ahead.”
“We’re engaged on Steam Deck 2,” Aldehayyat chimed in. “There’s going to be a successor.”
Nonetheless, in being so candid, each defined why followers shouldn’t essentially be holding their breath in ready for the subsequent little bit of handheld {hardware}.
“Efficiency is what defines the Steam Deck 2,” Aldehayyat stated. “We have to have a generational leap in efficiency earlier than we make it. We’re simply ready on that, is what it comes all the way down to.”
“The {hardware} group is at all times what’s subsequent,” Shaw elaborated. “They’re iterating continually.”
As for specifics, it’s largely the plain components. Valve themselves wish to increase battery life, and that is one thing they’re actively “chasing.”
Any {hardware} enhancements are going to be welcome,” Shaw added.
So for now, there’s actually no indication when Steam Deck 2 might even be possible, not to mention in our palms. It boils all the way down to Valve deeming a technological leap worthy of pursuing.
As soon as we’re at a degree the place handheld {hardware} can actually push leaps and bounds forward of the present mannequin, then we’ll understand it’s time for Valve’s subsequent iteration.
