Valve says it’s working on Steam Deck 2, but that probably doesn’t mean what you think — Could it have an ARM-based future?
Valve is actively developing the next generation of its gaming handheld. According to Valve programmer Pierre-Loup Griffais, speaking with IGN, the company is “hard at work” on the Steam Deck 2. The announcement comes as the newly launched Steam Controller garners attention.
The original Steam Deck, released in 2022, catalyzed the handheld gaming renaissance, prompting major manufacturers including Lenovo, ASUS, MSI, and Microsoft’s Xbox division to launch competing devices. The platform demonstrated strong market demand for portable, full-featured gaming experiences capable of running demanding PC titles.
However, the article cautions against interpreting Valve’s development statement as an imminent release. The phrase “hard at work” doesn’t necessarily signal a near-term launch window. Valve historically takes deliberate approaches to hardware releases, and significant development work may continue for years before a commercial announcement. The company’s track record suggests it prioritizes technological refinement and meaningful advancement over rapid iteration cycles.
Title speculation references a potential ARM-based architecture shift for the next generation, contrasting with the x86-64 design of the original device. Such architectural changes would represent a significant departure, potentially offering improved battery efficiency and thermal performance while introducing compatibility challenges requiring careful engineering consideration.