Exclusive: Steam Deck to Revolutionize Gaming Sooner Than Expected
A new and improved Steam Deck model, with enhanced power and similar battery life, is expected to release in a minimum of two years, offering gamers an even more immersive and high-performance experience
Valve engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais explained to The Verge that an upgraded version of the Steam Deck may be in the works, but it is unlikely to be released until late 2025 at the earliest. The focus is on enhancing performance while maintaining the device's battery life, a challenge that has not yet been overcome.
Griffais also expressed concerns about the potential impact on brand messaging. A more powerful Steam Deck could introduce compatibility issues with certain games, creating difficulties for both developers and customers. As a result, there is a possibility of an upgraded version that does not boast increased power but rather features like an extended battery life or an improved screen quality. To provide further context, here is the complete statement provided by Griffais to The Verge:
Griffais, in an interview with CNBC, reiterated Valve's satisfaction with the power of the Steam Deck. He expressed that they view the current performance level as stable and suitable for the next few years. This performance target allows for seamless gameplay of all the latest gaming experiences. While some recent releases have tested the limitations of the Deck, the fact that Baldur's Gate 3 is Steam-Deck-verified demonstrates the handheld's impressive capabilities.
Valve's recent statement aligns with previous statements made earlier this year, pointing to the emergence of potential rivals for the Steam Deck. Lenovo, for instance, plans to venture into the PC handheld market with their device called Legion Go, featuring detachable controllers similar to those found on the Nintendo Switch, as revealed by leaked images. Additionally, the Asus ROG Ally and a range of new Aya Neo models have recently made their debut.
