Valve's Steam Deck, launched in 2021, has become a notable presence in handheld gaming. Its blend of PC optimization and handheld form has resulted in its increased popularity among users. With a growing list of titles, both new and old, being Steam Deck-verified, one would naturally anticipate an advanced version to be on the horizon. However, recent statements suggest that a faster Steam Deck is still a few years away.
Pierre-Loup Griffais, one of the key architects behind the Steam Deck, recently addressed the idea of a Steam Deck with more powerful hardware.
In communications with The Verge, Griffais clarified Valve's position, emphasizing its commitment to stabilizing gaming performance for developers. By ensuring that every Steam Deck can support the same range of games, the company aims to present a clear and straightforward message to its customer base.
The prospect of improving the handheld's performance isn't taken lightly. Griffais explained Valve would only consider a performance upgrade when there's a significant increase to justify such a change. Furthermore, it's essential to boost its performance without compromising the power efficiency and, subsequently, the battery life of the Steam Deck. Griffais expressed skepticism about the possibility of achieving such an advancement in the immediate future. However, he did mention that Valve is consistently monitoring the progress in technology architectures and fabrication processes to determine potential innovations.