The handheld market is growing as more tech companies throw in a console of their own. Between the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and other handhelds, users have a lot to choose from. However, when it comes to an upgrade, it might be a while before we see a next-gen Steam Deck.
It Could Be Years
Nintendo is already rumored to be working on a next-generation Switch, so it's expected for people to start questioning whether Valve would also release a competing console. Sadly, it will be years before the company even develops one.
Pierre-Loup Griffais from Valve says that he doesn't "anticipate such a leap to be possible in the next couple of years," given that performance is not something they are "taking lightly" and will only change it once there is a significant enough increase to be had.
While Griffais initially hinted that there might be a Steam Deck 2 in 2025 or 2026, his latest statement changed that. He did say that they are "closely monitoring innovations in architectures and fabrication processes" to see where things are, as per The Verge.
Gamers can still play most PC games on the Steam Deck, especially the ones that have been released years before. However, newer AAA games are becoming more demanding on devices' hardware, and players might have to settle for mediocre to low graphics to run them.
Even with the Steam Deck successor being in a semi-distant future, users might still be able to see upgraded variations of the handheld. The company might not need a new model just to improve on the console's main weaknesses such as its battery life.
Reports say that with the maximum settings, gamers can play an average of two hours for AAA games. While that might be enough for some, it's short for those who intend to binge games for hours on end. But, compared to all the handhelds in the market, it's decent enough.
If Valve does create a next-generation Steam Deck, it will likely address this issue. Aside from an enhancement in battery life, the company also needs the technology wherein performance will not consume too much power and drain the console quicker.
Nintendo is Closer to Releasing a Successor
If you want a newer console that could handle heavier games better, you might have better luck with the Nintendo Switch. In terms of performance, the video game company even plans on giving the Switch 2 a PS4-level power. For a handheld, that's quite significant.
This detail was revealed through emails due to the Microsoft vs. FTC hearing. A summary document showed a PDF file called "NG Switch Draft," which contained details about the next-generation console's components, according to Kotaku.
Although it might get a downgrade when it comes to display. Since the other components will be upgraded, the cost will likely increase. To make sure that it remains affordable for the target market, Nintendo might lower the cost in other aspects, such as screen quality.
