Ever since whispers of Valve’s new standalone XR headset, nicknamed ‘Deckard,’ surfaced in 2021, the tech community has been buzzing with speculation. Fast forward to today, and it seems like the steam is building up for this highly anticipated device, thanks to some insights shared by Brad Lynch, also known in the VR circles as ‘SadlyItsBradley.’
Despite details about Deckard still being mostly under wraps, the word on the street is that Valve’s upcoming headset will function as a standalone device with the ability to wirelessly stream PC VR games. If that holds true, it could position it as a formidable rival to the Meta Quest and the Apple Vision Pro.
Brad Lynch, who is often in the loop about XR industry developments, has revealed that Valve has been bringing in equipment specifically to manufacture VR headset facial interfaces right here in the United States. According to a post he shared on X, this equipment comes from Teleray Group, the same company that made gaskets for both the Valve Index and the HP G2 Omnicept.
Given that the Valve Index is approaching its sixth anniversary, it’s hard to imagine Valve is merely updating its old PC VR headset. All signs seem to point to Deckard, their exciting new entry in the XR arena. However, it’s anyone’s guess whether Valve’s decision to make key components in the US is a tactic to dodge the increased tariffs on goods from China, which were recently imposed under US President Donald Trump.
Lynch also notes that Valve is using the very same US-based facility they used to produce the Lighthouse 2.0 base stations, which they phased out nearly two years ago. He speculates that maybe Valve is eyeing this facility for producing new components as they roll out Deckard, offering a shield from tariff pressures. Or, perhaps they’re prototyping gasket designs for future head-mounted displays right at home—though he suspects the latter, since Valve likely already has the necessary R&D setups.
The Deckard saga has been on the radar for nearly four years now, and there’s no shortage of leaks and reports on it. However, the latest buzz implies Valve is ramping up production, hinting that the grand reveal may not be too far off now.
In a surprising twist last November, SteamVR’s update accidentally leaked 3D models of a new VR motion controller, nicknamed ‘Roy.’ What sets Roy apart is its traditional gamepad-style button arrangement, which is quite a shift from the usual VR motion controllers that embrace the popular Touch layout. Should Valve stick with this design, it could create a seamless input experience akin to the Steam Deck.
Fast forward to February, and another prominent leaker, ‘Gabe Follower,’ dropped a hint suggesting Deckard is set for a late 2025 release, with a price tag of $1,200. Gabe notes that Deckard might be sold at a loss and speculates it will run on the same SteamOS that powers the Steam Deck, but with tweaks tailored for the VR environment.
