Valve isn’t ready to talk about the next Steam Deck. During a recent briefing, engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais stated, “Steam Deck is not what we’re here to talk about today.” Instead, the focus was on lessons learned from the Steam Deck that would influence new products.
The company remains tight-lipped about whether advanced joysticks, which reduce drift, will be included in future versions of the Steam Deck. Hardware engineer Steve Cardinali mentioned that while they are always looking to improve the Steam Deck, there are no plans to upgrade the original model with these new joysticks.
Valve has confirmed that sequels for the Steam Deck are on the way, but they’re in no rush. Griffais noted they want a substantial boost in performance and efficiency before releasing the next version. “We really do want to wait for a generational leap without sacrificing battery life,” he mentioned. This sentiment was echoed by Lawrence Yang, who emphasized that they are looking for significant improvements rather than just incremental changes.
Currently, Valve feels there are no components available that offer the performance leap they desire. Griffais explained, “We’re not interested in a 20 or 30% boost in performance at the same battery life. We want something clearly better.”
The challenge now is finding that leap in performance. Valve initially considered using the Steam Deck’s chip for its standalone VR headset but has shifted to an Arm processor for its new Steam Frame. This change allows for some local Windows gaming through emulation, hinting at exciting potential for future handheld devices.
Several industry experts have weighed in on this topic. For instance, John Carmack, a well-known figure in the tech world, stated that advancements in Arm technology could reshape gaming hardware. As new processors come to market, they offer hope for enhanced performance without draining battery life.
A recent study shows that 63% of gamers are looking for better battery efficiency in handheld devices, addressing a key concern among users. This indicates a strong demand for the kind of improvement Valve is aiming for.
The gaming landscape is also shifting, with social media buzzing about the Steam Deck’s impact. Users frequently share their experiences and expectations, creating a vibrant community eager for news on upcoming developments.
In summary, while Valve is not unveiling details about the Steam Deck 2 yet, their commitment to improvement is clear. The focus on battery life, performance, and user feedback will likely shape the future of handheld gaming. For up-to-date insight on tech trends, check out trusted sources like TechCrunch.
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