The Steam Deck 2 sounds like it’ll be a huge leap in performance, but there’s one big reason why it doesn’t exist yet

A Valve engineer has indicated that a Steam Deck 2 is still a long way off. According to Valve, there isn’t a powerful enough chip available yet to do the sequel justice.

However, Valve does have a “pretty good idea of what the next version of Steam Deck is going to be.” All the chatter lately has been about the new Steam Machine since Valve revealed its plans to resurrect the device. Amid this renewed interest, the Steam Deck 2 has also been mentioned, though we’re told the time still isn’t right for a sequel to the portable handheld.

This insight comes from Valve software engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais, who works on SteamOS. In an interview with IGN primarily focused on the Steam Machine, Griffais was asked about the aging Steam Deck and whether there might be any plans for an upgraded handheld. He reiterated that Valve isn’t yet at a point where upgrading the internal components would make enough of a difference to justify a Steam Deck 2.

Griffais explained:
“We’re not interested in getting to a point where it’s 20 or 30 or even 50% more performance [than the existing Steam Deck] at the same battery life. We want something a little bit more demarcated than that.
So we’ve been working back from silicon advancements and architectural improvements, and I think we have a pretty good idea of what the next version of Steam Deck is going to be, but right now there’s no offerings in that landscape, in the SoC landscape, that we think would truly be a next-gen performance Steam Deck.”

In short, while there are some powerful new system-on-chips (SoCs) on the market — meaning all-in-one processor and graphics solutions — they’re not quite peppy enough right now. Valve is waiting for mobile chips with significantly more power to make a Steam Deck 2 worthwhile.

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### Analysis: It’s All About the Software, Really

If this sounds familiar, it’s because Valve has expressed similar sentiments for the past couple of years. Back then, many believed a Steam Deck 2 might arrive around 2026. Clearly, that timeline isn’t materializing, and more recent rumors are suggesting a possible launch as late as 2028.

Still, nothing is set in stone, especially given these latest comments from Griffais.

In the nearer term, Valve’s focus will likely remain on software — particularly continuing to advance SteamOS and improve game compatibility. This software evolution is key to enticing PC gamers away from Windows 11.

Good hardware is certainly important, but Valve seems to believe that software is the real driver of success. This focus partly explains why the Steam Machine is getting another chance now. With improved software and better game compatibility, the device stands a much better chance of success.

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### Why the Steam Machine Matters

For those criticizing the hardware specs of the second-gen Steam Machine, it’s true that it’s not the most powerful gaming rig out there. However, there are already mini PCs on the market with stronger specs — and nothing stops enthusiastic gamers from installing SteamOS on those machines.

This scenario benefits Valve as well, as it drives SteamOS adoption and increases game purchases on Steam. It also suggests that Valve is unlikely to push the Steam Machine’s pricing too high, keeping it accessible to more users.

Ultimately, increased game sales represent the biggest financial reward for Valve, not hardware profits. This is another reason why a Steam Deck 2 remains quite some time away.

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### The Smart Strategy Moving Forward

With ongoing Steam Machine development to consider, why rush a Steam Deck sequel until the original hardware really starts to show its age? It’s also better for gamers to buy devices that don’t feel outdated just months after release.

Valve’s approach appears smart and patient. This strategy could pose a challenge for Microsoft, as there are plenty of gamers interested in ditching Windows 11. While alternatives are limited today, that could change soon as SteamOS and Proton continue to improve.

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