Recent submissions to regulatory bodies hint that Valve is in the early stages of developing a new model of the Steam Deck. As enthusiasts pore over the scant details available regarding the company's latest project, there are indications that Valve may be contemplating a mid-generation revamp as the Steam Deck nears its second anniversary. This could mean a specification boost for the console without an outright replacement.
The speculations aren't confirmed yet, but insights obtained by The Verge make a strong case for this development soon. These insights are drawn from documents describing a prototype Steam Deck from Valve, hinting at the company's desire to introduce some alterations to the existing model. While it remains uncertain whether the new version will be more robust or sleeker, there's a palpable buzz about a new variant hitting the shelves soon.
Regulatory documents ignite speculations
Documents forwarded to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have substantiated that Valve is keen on unveiling a new Steam Deck. However, that's about as much as can be ascertained now. The sparse information keeps us on tenterhooks, curious to know if this would be a technical upgrade or a budget-friendly version for cost-conscious gamers.
The thought of a less potent model resonates well, especially amidst the ongoing global cost of living crisis.
Many have veered towards alternatives like the Xbox Series S to avoid burning a hole in their pockets on pricey hardware. Microsoft has capitalized on this trend, recently launching a new Series S model with enhanced memory at a marginal price bump, still a more economical choice compared to the Xbox Series X.
Awaiting an official confirmation
On the flip side, the anticipation could be for a more powerful version aimed at gamers yearning for elevated performance from the Deck. We've witnessed such trends in past console generations with the advent of the PlayStation 4 Pro, Xbox One X, and more recently, the Nintendo Switch OLED. Although Valve is a greenhorn in this domain and isn't tethered to these traditions, only time will tell what direction they'll take.
As we inch closer to the festive season, the competition among hardware vendors to capture our attention intensifies. While we wait for an official announcement, what's clear is that a “next-gen” Deck, as per Valve's earlier statements, is “a few years away”. A mid-gen facelift before venturing into a completely new model seems plausible, considering the Steam Deck is still in its infancy. The unfolding of this news is something worth keeping an eye on, especially for gaming enthusiasts.
