Valve has confirmed that a Steam Deck 2 is in the works, but the company is prioritizing advancements in technology to ensure a significant performance upgrade over its predecessor. In a recent interview, software engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais indicated that the new handheld will not launch until there are sufficient improvements in silicon and architecture that would justify its development. Despite the Steam Deck's launch in early 2022 and subsequent OLED model release, the device struggles with modern gaming performance, particularly affecting battery life. Valve aims to achieve a meaningful step up in performance without sacrificing battery efficiency, which has been a critical issue for the current model.

When will the Steam Deck 2 be released?

The Steam Deck 2 is expected to launch at least a couple of years from now, as Valve is waiting for the right technological advancements to make a significant upgrade viable.

The original Steam Deck has made a notable impact on portable gaming since its debut, allowing players to enjoy their PC library on the go. It offers a versatile gaming experience with the capability to run SteamOS and even Windows, although the battery life has been a considerable drawback. The upcoming Steam Deck 2 aims to address these limitations while catering to the growing demand for portable gaming solutions.