The first thing that springs to mind when we think about hardware from the team at Valve, is, of course, the upcoming Steam Machine. A powerful PC that’s the size of a Rubik’s Cube that has eaten too many hot dogs. But that might not be the only piece of futuristic hardware we see popping up on the Steam store soon, as a release window has leaked.
With the rising cost of components and the shortage of rare minerals needed to create modern tech hardware, it might be surprising to some to learn that the Steam Deck 2 isn’t as far away as you may have thought. In fact, according to KeplerL2 via NeoGaf, even with delays, Steam Deck 2 is set to launch in 2028. If this rumor proves to be true, we could soon be playing modern PC games in every room in the house!
Steam Deck 2 Could Come In 2028
Quick Turnaround Without Delays
The original Steam Deck launched back in 2022, so it does feel like we’re overdue a new handheld. That said, the PS5 launched two years prior to that and there’s not much to officially go on about the next PS6. Each generation of console seems to be getting longer, and it’s mainly because of production delays and rising costs. Getting our hands on a Steam Deck 2 only six years after the original seems too good to be true.
But is Valve likely to stick to their tight timeframe given the rising costs of RAM and storage? Well, that remains to be seen, and we could all be crying out like GTA 6 fans if a delay gets announced. With Valve currently struggling to source RAM for their Steam Machine and subsequently getting roasted by gamers, it would seem that a delay is inevitable.
The Price Will Be Up In The Air
Better Start Saving Now
We still have no idea how much the Steam Deck 2 will cost. In fact, we still have no official price for the Steam Machine which is due to launch this year. The only official word on the Steam Machine is that it will be more in line with modern PCs than consoles in price, which has many players concerned. If the Steam Deck 2 were to follow suit, gamers could be in for some eye-wateringly painful purchases over the next few years.
The one upside to a delay for the Steam Deck 2, however, is its fluidity. With Valve not tied down to custom-built components, a delay might lead to more modern hardware under the Steam hood for handheld enthusiasts. Personally, a few years from now, I’d happily play a version of Cyberpunk 2077 with graphics boosted to the max on a handheld device. The power of the sun in the palm of my hands…perhaps Doctor Octavius was on to something!
- Brand
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Valve
- Original Release Date
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February 25, 2022
- Original MSRP (USD)
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$399-649
- Operating System
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SteamOS
- Weight
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1.5 pounds