Recently, sparks were flying in the gaming world with whispers about a new Steam Console undergoing tests. However, GamingOnLinux pointed out these rumors were all smoke and mirrors. Valve developer Pierre-Loup Griffais set the record straight on BlueSky, stating there’s no new console in the works. He explained that the updates to Mesa Vulkan for AMD’s RDNA 4 architecture are just part of their standard procedure — something they’ve been doing since AMD’s Vega days. Indeed, Valve is gearing up for new GPU tech updates, but don’t expect the Steam Machine project to make a comeback just yet.
So, are dreams of a new Steam Console dashed? For now, it seems that way. But let’s dive deeper into Valve’s venture into console land, as well as future prospects for both a resurgence of the Steam Machine and perhaps a Steam Deck 2.
### What We Know About Valve’s Hardware Vision
The speculation around a potential Steam console wasn’t really supported by AMD’s RDNA 4 GPU work. Consoles, even versatile units like the Steam Deck, are typically released with custom hardware rooted in existing tech — often lagging a generation behind cutting-edge components due to necessary development time.
Take the Steam Deck, for example, launched in 2022. It featured AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture, initially introduced in November 2020, representing a 1.5-year gap. The Deck’s CPU was even older, built on Zen 2 architecture, which dates back to 2019. Incorporating the advanced RDNA 4 architecture into a gaming handheld would require substantial resources and time.
The top-tier integrated GPU solutions now boast RDNA 3 or 3.5 architectures, but the expected performance leap while on battery power remains elusive. While you might get better results plugged in, handhelds struggle to outperform due to battery constraints. The Ryzen AI HX 300 Series APUs, with their RDNA 3.5 iGPU, are only just hitting the scene.
Valve has revealed that we shouldn’t expect a Steam Deck 2 for at least two to three more years, pending major hardware advancements. A huge tech leap between generations is a console norm, so the chance of seeing an RDNA 4 iGPU in a theoretical Deck 2 is remote. Introducing three distinct SteamOS platforms in under seven years does seem a tad excessive.
Though RDNA 4 is enticing — packed with unknowns like power consumption, performance, and cost — it could still be a while before it’s viable for handheld gaming PCs.
### Gaze into the Future: What Lies Ahead?
Let’s delve into hypothetical territory while staying grounded in what we understand about PC hardware and its bearing on the console market — especially mobile consoles.
Toward the end of last year, credible leaks revealed Valve was tinkering with designs for a revamped Steam Controller inspired by the Deck and potential next-gen VR controllers. This could signal a revival of the Steam Link or Machine initiatives, or simply aim to enhance gameplay on the Steam Deck both handheld and docked. It provides an even playing field for gamers who enjoy leveraging Steam Input’s unique features, like gyro controls.
Could we one day see a Steam Console? It’s not outside the realm of possibility. Once Steam OS 3 becomes widely available, it might attract more mini PC, laptop, and handheld makers to jump on board. A bigger console would better accommodate features such as real-time ray tracing, which is currently a challenge on the existing Deck hardware, even for mostly rasterized games due to hardware age and power constraints.
For genuine progress in handheld performance, Valve would need more than RDNA 4’s ray tracing abilities. We require a GPU architecture delivering those RT capabilities at a 25W (like ROG Ally or Legion Go) or 15W (Steam Deck) TDP. With RDNA 4 mobile GPUs estimated at 80-175W TDP, AMD isn’t there just yet.
However, the journey there is not insurmountable. RDNA 4 utilizes TSMC’s N4 node, which has been around for a couple of years. Meanwhile, the Steam Deck’s architecture is based on the dated N7 node. Advancing to N5 or N4 would significantly help, and with time, the more efficient N3 and N2 nodes may become available. These finer nodes could be crucial in sculpting a compelling chipset for future handhelds if kept cost-effective.
But do we even need a Steam Console? With a Steam Deck and a compatible docking station, you already own a substantially powerful device compared to the Nintendo Switch. Given Nintendo’s move from traditional consoles, Valve might also see greater value in a hybrid handheld approach, crafting unique hardware that doesn’t directly compete with mainstream consoles or gaming PCs.
