Valve Index successor could be a VR Steam Deck

The Valve Index 2 may basically act as a VR Steam Deck, in accordance with new information mining analyzing steamOS and SteamVR updates. If true, this revelation may sign a paradigm shift of VR tech in the direction of mainstream adoption. The Valve Index successor, typically referred to by its codename, Deckard, is purported to launch subsequent 12 months, however may arrive as late as 2025.

This new data, shared by YouTuber Brad Lynch, is underpinned by information mined from updates on Valve’s platforms. Builders have been allegedly including a sequence of VR-related updates to the Gamescope compositor utilized by the Steam Deck working system. Because it’s unlikely the Steam Deck itself might be concerned with any VR shenanigans, this led Lynch to state that “Valve goes to launch a headset operating an x86 APU inside for a full standalone expertise”. Contemplating the Index required a wired connection to a PC to work, a standalone VR headset can be a giant improve for Valve.

However probably the most astonishing supposed discovering is the addition of strings in Github which look for use for adapting video games to VR, permitting the in-game property to provide off reflections and incorporate dynamic lighting in a VR atmosphere. It looks as if Valve is working arduous on making extra video games VR-compatible. It’s not simply that, although, as Lynch claims that “Valve goes to place their subsequent headset as not solely a VR system, however as a high-end Steam Deck system that may play your whole video games.” Enormous.

This improvement would probably make the Valve Deckard, or Index 2, no matter you need to name it, an absolute must-have headset. One of many predominant limitations of VR, except for its value, is the shortage of video games you’ll be able to play on current units. If Valve solves that drawback, it’s bought probability of pushing its subsequent VR product into the mainstream.

It’d additionally make the Index 2 a giant enchancment on its predecessor, which wasn’t precisely a foul little bit of equipment again within the day. Our Valve Index review gave the 4-year-old headset a 9/10, calling it the “greatest client VR equipment obtainable” on the time. However it’s not simply Valve within the VR area, in fact. The Meta Quest 3 release date is arriving Fall 2023, and we count on it to be an enormous leap ahead for VR tech.