Valve may be quietly plotting a stealthy Steam Deck refresh

Whereas Valve has constantly and categorically dominated out the potential of a right away Steam Deck successor, this hasn’t stopped it from tinkering with the gadget’s current {hardware} configuration. Now, a lately found doc might recommend {that a} additional refresh of its handheld PC may very well be on the playing cards.

Following the preliminary discovery of references to a tool identified solely as ‘Valve Company Mannequin 1030’, a brand new doc on the FCC web site offers extra particulars on this new {hardware}.

Sharing the invention in an X (Twitter) put up, SadleyItsBradley speculates that the gadget “appears to be a revised Steam Deck mannequin.” Whereas not a lot is understood in regards to the {hardware}, Bradley continues that it’s going to on the very least boast “a brand new Wi-Fi card able to the 6E (6GHz) spectrum.”

Analyzing the doc reveals that it’s for a Class Permission Change for a licensed Wi-Fi 6e and Bluetooth chip. Moreover, the FCC doc states that the “intention of this utility is to allow the modular licensed FCC ID: XMR2023FC66EB to be built-in in Valve Steam Deck/Mannequin: 1030.”

Presently, a Steam Deck Mannequin 1030 doesn’t exist, though 1010 has been used to determine the prevailing fashions of the hand held, and 1007 has been used for the Valve Index respectively. To be clear, although, it’s unlikely that this refers to a possible Steam Deck 2.

Whereas improved Wi-Fi speeds on the Steam Deck can be welcome, I’d sooner hope to see an OLED mannequin or one with increased built-in storage. Current rivals, the ASUS ROG Ally, and the soon-to-be launched Lenovo Legion Go, each have 1TB variations obtainable, leaving the 512GB Steam Deck feeling considerably behind the instances. Though you’ll be able to decide up a microSD card to extend your cupboard space, having that quantity of storage obtainable from the get go can be a literal recreation changer.

When you can’t get sufficient of the Valve handheld, however are overwhelmed with video games to play, take a look at our information to the best Steam Deck games and take your decide. In case your gadget may use a makeover as a substitute, the best Steam Deck skins has a spread of decals to suit each fashion and desire.