Valve may be planning to release the Steam Deck 2 in 2028, according to a recent leak. Official updates on the successor to the highly successful handheld have been limited, but the portable PC market has grown increasingly competitive over the past few years. Despite mounting pressure from new rivals, the next Steam Deck could still be years away.
A Different Outcome from Valve’s Previous Hardware Attempts
Valve’s earlier ventures into hardware—like the Steam Machines—failed to resonate with players. The Steam Deck, however, proved to be a breakthrough, popularizing the handheld PC market and inspiring competitors from ASUS, Lenovo, and others.
Recently, though, Steam Deck sales have slowed following the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal and Xbox’s announcement of its own handheld lineup. This has led fans to wonder when Valve might introduce its next-generation device.
The Leak That Sparked the 2028 Rumor
Gaming hardware leaker KeplerL2 responded to a discussion on NeoGAF, stating that the Steam Deck 2 would launch in 2028. If accurate, that timeline would place the sequel six years after the original Steam Deck and five years after the OLED refresh.
While that seems like a long gap, it matches Valve’s earlier statement that it won’t release a new model until it can deliver a “generational leap” in performance and battery life.
Possible Competition From Sony and Xbox
Another leaker, Moore’s Law Is Dead, has suggested that Sony plans to release the handheld PS6 in late 2027 or early 2028. If true, Valve’s Steam Deck 2 could launch directly against Sony’s device, though not soon enough for the much-anticipated Xbox vs. Valve showdown.
So far, neither Valve nor Sony has confirmed release timelines, leaving both windows speculative.
What Could the “Generational Leap” Include?
Valve has left the exact meaning of a “generational leap” open to interpretation. However, in 2024, the company filed patents hinting at:
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Enhanced streaming capabilities
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Potential VR support
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Other quality-of-life upgrades for portable PC gaming
It’s possible that some of these technologies could appear in a revised Steam Deck before a full Steam Deck 2 launch. Still, until Valve makes an official announcement, the details remain uncertain.
The rumored 2028 release window may seem distant, but it fits Valve’s strategy of avoiding incremental updates in favor of major hardware improvements. With handheld rivals gaining ground, the Steam Deck 2 could still make a big impact when it finally arrives.
For now, fans will have to stay patient—and keep an eye on leaks and patents for clues about what’s coming next.