Tag: Steam Deck 2

  • Steam Deck 2 Expected Release in 2028: Latest Updates

    Steam Deck 2 Expected Release in 2028: Latest Updates

    Key Takeaways

    1. A rumor suggests the Steam Deck 2 could be released in 2028, as stated by hardware expert KeplerL2.
    2. Valve’s Lawrence Yang indicated that a next-generation Steam Deck will only debut when significant performance improvements are achievable.
    3. The longer development cycle for the Steam Deck 2 may allow AMD to advance its future APU designs.
    4. The original Steam Deck, released in February 2022, remains a top choice among handheld gaming devices, especially after the OLED refresh in November 2023.
    5. Approach the rumor with caution, as while KeplerL2 has a reliable history, confirmation of this timeline is still needed.

    The previous time we discussed the Steam Deck 2, most of the conversation revolved around Valve’s overall plans for hardware. This included speculation about a potential new home console and a closer partnership with Sony in the portable gaming market. Recently, however, a new rumor has emerged that sharpens the focus on the Steam Deck’s next version, suggesting it could be released in 2028.

    Rumor Details

    This information comes from a hardware expert named KeplerL2, who made a short post on the gaming forum NeoGAF, stating simply, “Steam Deck 2 is 2028.” Although this comment lacks detailed information, it reinforces earlier remarks from Valve’s Lawrence Yang. In late 2023, Yang mentioned that a genuine “next-generation” Steam Deck would not debut until significant performance enhancements were achievable. The current model, the Steam Deck OLED, is priced at $769.99 on Amazon.

    Implications of the 2028 Release

    If KeplerL2’s assertion is correct, a release in 2028 indicates that Valve is opting for a longer development cycle for its handheld devices. This approach would also give AMD’s future APU designs the time they need to develop and advance.

    The original Steam Deck was released in February 2022 and has quickly become a top choice in the handheld PC gaming category. It ranks among the best-selling gaming handhelds, right behind the Nintendo Switch, which is quite an accomplishment. The device is powered by a customized AMD APU and operates on SteamOS, featuring Proton compatibility. The OLED refresh that came out in November 2023 improved display quality and efficiency due to its 6nm manufacturing process but did not overhaul the hardware significantly. You can find our review of the Steam Deck OLED here.

    Caution with Rumors

    As with any leak, it’s important to approach this information with some skepticism, even though KeplerL2 has a reliable history. The rumor aligns with Valve’s previously shared views, so we will need to keep an eye out for any updates that confirm this timeline.

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  • Valve Fremont Console Leaks on Geekbench with AMD Hardware

    Valve Fremont Console Leaks on Geekbench with AMD Hardware

    Key Takeaways

    1. Valve may be returning to the home console market with a new device codenamed Fremont.
    2. The console features a 6-core Zen 4 CPU with a boost clock of up to 4.8 GHz and has 8 GB of DDR5-5600 memory.
    3. It is equipped with a “Radeon RX 7600 series” GPU, likely a scaled-back RX 7600S model with fewer compute units.
    4. Performance scores on Geekbench show it is slower than the Ryzen Z2 Extreme, with scores of 2,412 (single-core) and 7,451 (multi-core).
    5. The presence of the console on Geekbench suggests it is nearing final development stages, possibly leading to a launch alongside Half-Life 3 this year.

    Multiple whispers—some from reliable sources, while others come from less trustworthy ones—have suggested that Valve might be making a comeback in the home console arena. Initially thought to be the Steam Deck 2, the console, codenamed Fremont, was expected to feature an AMD RDNA 4 GPU. Nevertheless, a recent listing on Geekbench indicates that this will not be the case.

    New Findings

    Brad Lynch, the individual who first revealed information about Fremont, has now discovered the console on Geekbench. It has a 6-core CPU that can reach a maximum boost clock of around 4.8 GHz. These cores are indeed Zen 4 cores, as the listing clearly mentions Hawk Point 2. In addition, it seems the console is equipped with only 8 GB of DDR5-5600 memory, which is somewhat lacking for a tabletop console, but not surprising for a prototype.

    Performance Metrics

    A closer look at the Geekbench database shows that it has a “Radeon RX 7600 series” GPU. While the exact count of compute units (CUs) isn’t detailed, it could possibly be a scaled-back RX 7600S model with 28 CUs or even fewer. It achieved scores of 2,412 and 7,451 points in Geekbench 6.4’s single-core and multi-core tests, respectively, which makes it significantly slower compared to the Ryzen Z2 Extreme (2,748/12,182). This isn’t unusual since the Z2 Extreme utilizes newer Zen 5 and Zen 5c cores.

    Close to Launch

    Typically, a Geekbench run indicates that a product is nearing its final stages of development. Therefore, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to think that the Valve Fremont is on the brink of its launch. An exciting reveal alongside Half-Life 3 would be perfect, and if earlier leaks turn out to be correct, it might just take place this year.

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    Valve Fremont Console Leaks on Geekbench with AMD HardwareValve Fremont Console Leaks on Geekbench with AMD Hardware

     

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  • Valve Should Avoid Steam Deck 2 to Compete with Nintendo Switch 2

    Valve Should Avoid Steam Deck 2 to Compete with Nintendo Switch 2

    Key Takeaways

    1. Performance Comparison: The Nintendo Switch 2 may have advantages over the Steam Deck, particularly highlighted by demos like Cyberpunk 2077.

    2. Poll Results: Approximately 80% of gamers believe Valve should focus on developing a significantly upgraded Steam Deck 2.

    3. Switch 2 Specs: The Switch 2 is expected to feature a larger, higher-resolution screen and a powerful Nvidia Tegra T239 processor for better performance.

    4. Software Differences: The Switch 2 offers exclusive Nintendo titles that are not available on the Steam Deck, but its game library is smaller compared to Steam’s extensive collection.

    5. Usage Trends: Many Steam Deck owners currently use it as a secondary device and are not eager to switch to the Nintendo Switch 2.

    One of the hot topics right now is how the performance of the Nintendo Switch 2 stacks up against the Steam Deck. Demos like Cyberpunk 2077 have indicated that the specs of the Switch 2 might have certain advantages. This could mean that Valve is feeling more pressured to update their popular handheld device. A recent poll by PC Guide asked gamers if they believe the company should accelerate the development of the Steam Deck 2. The results show that most buyers are fine with waiting for a more substantial upgrade.

    Poll Findings

    About 80% of those who participated in the poll think that Valve should prioritize creating a Steam Deck 2 that represents a significant upgrade. This view aligns with what the manufacturer is planning. While there are no specifics available about the upcoming handheld, Valve hasn’t dismissed the idea of launching a new device in the future. Back in late 2024, SteamOS Designer Pierre-Loup Griffais mentioned that the company aims for a much faster and more efficient processor. Battery life remains a major concern, as the current market options aren’t living up to expectations.

    Comparing Specs

    The specifications of the Switch 2 feature a bigger, higher-resolution screen compared to both the Steam Deck and its OLED version. The rumored Nvidia Tegra T239 processor is expected to deliver better frame rates, particularly with upscaling. Despite this, Valve’s SteamOS has made its way onto newer devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S. Gamers can anticipate more powerful third-party SteamOS alternatives while they wait for the possibility of a Steam Deck 2.

    Software Differences

    The differences in software between the two systems are also quite significant. The Switch 2 has Nintendo exclusives like Mario Kart World that aren’t accessible on the Steam Deck. Additionally, Nintendo’s handheld is set to support popular PC and console games that were too demanding for the original Switch. However, its game library still falls short when compared to the Steam marketplace, which boasts over 100,000 titles. On the flip side, not every game on Steam is verified for the Steam Deck, which could pose challenges for gamers interested in cutting-edge graphics.

    Currently, many owners of SteamOS use the Steam Deck as a secondary gaming device instead of their main console. At this point, they don’t seem eager to change this setup for the Switch 2.

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    Valve Should Avoid Steam Deck 2 to Compete with Nintendo Switch 2
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  • Steam Deck 2 Rumors: AMD ‘Aerith Plus’ APU Leaks Speculation

    Steam Deck 2 Rumors: AMD ‘Aerith Plus’ APU Leaks Speculation

    Key Takeaways

    1. Rumors about a Steam Deck 2 are circulating, but there’s no solid proof yet.
    2. AMD is working on a new APU called ‘Aerith Plus,’ featuring enhanced specifications.
    3. Valve’s Pierre-Loup Griffais dismissed the idea of a Ryzen Z2-powered Steam Deck, suggesting a new APU is more likely.
    4. The ‘Aerith Plus’ APU may be intended for the upcoming Deckard VR headset, expected to be expensive.
    5. Ongoing speculation about the Steam Deck 2 continues, with no major announcements yet.

    Rumors about a possible successor to the Steam Deck have circulated online several times over the past year, even if there’s no solid proof to support those claims. Nevertheless, it’s clear that a Steam Deck 2—or whatever Valve decides to call it—is being worked on, and the company has mentioned that it will offer a ‘generational leap’ in performance while maintaining efficiency.

    New APU Leak

    A recently uncovered shipping document, highlighted through tweets by @Olrak29_, shows that AMD is working on a new APU known as ‘Aerith Plus’ with some intriguing specifications. The details reveal that the Aerith Plus APU will feature a boost clock reaching 3.8 GHz, a 1.8 GHz integrated GPU, and a thermal design power (TDP) of 20 watts. For those who might not know, ‘Aerith’ is the code used for the APU in the current Steam Deck, and the ‘Plus’ variant seems to suggest that enhancements are on the horizon—or maybe not?

    Speculation and Doubts

    Pierre-Loup Griffais, who previously dismissed the rumors about a Ryzen Z2-powered Steam Deck, has once again squashed the speculation regarding this leak. His comment on BlueSky simply says “Not happening,” offering no additional context. Given that Valve has made it clear that the next Steam Deck will feature significant performance upgrades, it seems likely that AMD will create a completely new APU rather than just updating the existing ‘Plus’ version.

    The VR Connection

    It’s also plausible that the ‘Aerith Plus’ APU is meant for the rumored Deckard VR headset, anticipated to launch later this year at a staggering price that could exceed $1000. As with all rumors and leaks, it’s wise to approach this information cautiously. We have yet to see any major disclosures regarding the Steam Deck 2, and it’s safe to say that speculations will keep flowing for the time being.

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    Steam Deck 2 Rumors: AMD 'Aerith Plus' APU Leaks Speculation
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