With “Deckard,” a new SteamVR headset from Valve could soon be on the horizon. Here’s what the headset can do, when it might be released, and how it could stand out from the rest of the market.
Valve is preparing its next step in the VR market: Under the codename “Deckard,” the company has been working for years on a new headset that fundamentally differs from the current Valve Index. Early leaks, hardware clues, and software traces already paint a picture of the upcoming VR platform.
We’ve compiled all known facts, credible leaks, and insights for you – from technology and production to price and market strategy.
All the key info on Valve Deckard at a glance
- Valve Deckard could be a standalone high-end VR headset with PCVR support.
- The release is expected by late 2025 or early 2026.
- Technically, Deckard will likely feature pancake lenses, eye tracking, foveated rendering, and SteamOS.
- The new “Roy” controllers are said to offer a gamepad layout and camera tracking.
- The price is expected to be around $1,200.
- Valve positions the device as a hybrid between Meta Quest 3, Apple Vision Pro, and PCVR headsets.
- Initial internal presentations, dev kits, and production preparations are reportedly already underway.
When will the SteamVR headset Valve Deckard be released?
- Valve Deckard could launch in late 2025 or early 2026.
There’s no official date yet, but multiple sources expect a market launch in late 2025. VR leaker “Gabe Follower” names this timeframe as the target release date. Brad Lynch and other industry insiders support this assessment. Lynx founder Stan Larroque, who claims to have seen the device, instead expects a launch in 2026.
Valve itself has made no announcement so far, but evidence of an advanced development stage is mounting. Production equipment for components like face gaskets and controllers has already been imported into the US.
How much will Deckard cost?
- Valve Deckard is expected to cost around $1,200.
The price for the complete package of headset and controllers is reportedly around $1,200, according to several leaks. Valve apparently plans to sell the product at a loss despite this high price – an indication that the company aims to target enthusiasts and secure market share in the high-end sector. The package is said to include initial demos or games developed internally by Valve.
What technology is inside the new Valve headset?
- Valve Deckard is planned to be a hybrid headset that works both standalone and as a PC VR headset.
Valve appears to be opting for a hybrid concept with Deckard: The headset should function standalone with its own SteamOS operating system, but can also be used as a PCVR headset via cable or wireless connection. For wireless PCVR streaming, a dedicated USB dongle is planned that works without a router.
The suspected technical details:
- Displays with at least 1440p per eye, 120 Hz refresh rate, and either micro-OLED or high-density LCD
- Pancake or aspheric lenses for sharper images and less distortion
- Eye tracking for dynamic foveated rendering
- Inside-out tracking via cameras – no base stations required
- Mixed reality features via high-resolution passthrough cameras
- Open audio solution similar to the Steam Deck or Valve Index
Which VR controllers will Valve Deckard use?
- Valve Deckard will feature ringless VR controllers with shoulder buttons, a D-pad, and analog sticks.
The new “Roy” controllers have already been found in the SteamVR code. They do away with traditional tracking rings and instead integrate camera-based tracking. The layout is reminiscent of a gamepad, with ABXY buttons, shoulder buttons, a D-pad, and analog sticks. A “gamepad mode” for classic Steam games in Big Picture Mode is also planned. According to rumors, the controllers are currently being prepared for mass production.
What’s special about SteamOS on Valve Deckard?
- SteamOS enables seamless integration of Deckard with Steam content.
Like the Steam Deck, Deckard is said to be based on a specially adapted version of SteamOS. This not only allows for a standalone VR experience but also access to Steam content without a PC – including regular games that can be played in a large virtual screen mode. At the same time, the entire SteamVR ecosystem remains intact, including support for PCVR games via Steam Link.
Which target audience is Valve aiming for?
- Valve Deckard will be a VR headset for experienced users.
With Deckard, Valve is targeting experienced VR users, tech enthusiasts, and developers. The headset aims to strike a balance between the flexibility of the Meta Quest 3, the image quality of a Pimax Crystal, and the system integration of an Apple Vision Pro. Valve is focusing on uncompromising technology rather than mass-market optimization.
Valve needs a convincing strategy to succeed in the weakening VR market
With its upcoming VR headset “Deckard,” Valve must pursue a noticeably different strategy than other tech giants. Instead of chasing quick market share or high sales numbers (yes, I’m looking at you, Meta), the company needs to aim for a long-term, data-driven development approach. The goal should be the continued development of its own platform – with a focus on technical maturity, user feedback, and deep integration into the Steam ecosystem – and I believe Valve is more than capable of achieving that.
Deckard must be a polished device that uses the best possible technology and adopts and optimizes proven XR features. VR fans have been worn down by the compromise-laden headsets of recent years, and they won’t tolerate another device that launches with outdated components or ignores best practices. However, even if Deckard turns out to be an almost perfect VR headset, a short-term revolution in the struggling VR market is unlikely. The headset will be too expensive (even if Valve subsidizes the price). On top of that, competition is already well established – especially in the mobile VR space.
Valve typically isn’t focused on quick profit but rather on sustainable innovation – and that could ultimately make all the difference.
What do you think of Valve Deckard? Are you excited for the headset or are you not interested in the SteamVR headset? Let us know in the comments!
Sources: MIXED, TechRadar, PCGamer
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