We’re a fair way away from the next-generation Steam Deck. Previous release date speculation for the Steam Deck 2 (assuming Valve calls it that) seemed to have settled on 2028, and this window has yet again been mentioned by a reliable leaker known as KeplerL2. They say Valve “were targeting 2028,” but it may get pushed back even further due to SSD and RAM shortages.

The Steam Deck OLED has already been affected by said industry shortages and price hikes, and we’re still waiting for Valve to release their new Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and Steam Controller hardware for the same reason. As such, it goes without saying that Deck 2 isn’t a priority right now. Either way, KeplerL2 suggests that the next-gen Deck will be arriving sometime after the rumored PlayStation handheld, though there’s still no official word from Sony on when that may be.

If Steam Deck 2 gets delayed, Valve might just fit it with better specs

The first-generation Steam Deck (and its OLED model) is fitted with an AMD APU based on Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architectures. In other words, it’s a semi-custom design put together thanks to a collaboration between AMD and Valve. This is the same way consoles work, as well as the upcoming Steam Machine mini-PC.

However, since the Steam Deck 2 is still years away, KeplerL2 says Valve “don’t have a semi-custom SoC” prepared yet, while console brands such as PlayStation and Xbox are likely to have these specifications locked in well in advance of the next-gen PlayStation 6 and Project Helix consoles. In other words, Valve still has room to adjust their requirements.

All in all, this means any further delays to the Steam Deck 2 could mean Valve has the opportunity to fit it with better hardware to become the most powerful handheld on the market when faced against the likes of the PlayStation handheld. Industry experts and analysts have previously suggested that the Steam Machine is one of Sony’s biggest worries right now, but the ways things are going may prove to benefit Valve even more in the handheld space, too.

In a forum thread, users have also been discussing the expected power of the PlayStation 6 Portable. The new Sony device may outperform the Xbox Series S, be around “halfway into the PS5’s raw power,” and will generally be more powerful than the Nintendo Switch 2. On top of that, next-generation PSSR technology is expected to be even better than Nvidia’s current DLSS 4.5 suite. As for the Steam Deck 2, it’s too early to call specs, though Valve has long said they’re waiting for a ‘generational leap’.

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Charlie Noon

Charlie is the Affiliate manager for PC Guide. He has a vast understanding of most PC hardware and consumer essentials, using his knowledge to provide the best products and the biggest deals.