The next generation of VR headsets designed by Valve are promising, but not many details have emerged online since the company teased new developments (in 2022). The media noticed that in September 2023, a mysterious device was registered in South Korea; after this discovery, many people expected a steady stream of information leaks. But what followed was relative silence, and speculation that Valve had shelved another top-secret project.
Today, Gabe Follower - a self-proclaimed Valve/Half-Life 3 leakster - believes that the VR headset codenamed "Deckard" is ready. The leaker with an interesting name (referring to Gabe Newell) claims to have inside information: "Several people familiar with the matter have confirmed that Valve plans to release a new standalone wireless VR headset (codenamed Deckard) before the end of 2025. The price of the complete product is currently set at $1,200. This includes some "in-house" games (or demos) that have been completed. Valve hopes to provide users with the best experience without cutting any costs. "
"Index" was Valve's first attempt to capture the VR gaming market, but buyers (back in 2019) largely gravitated toward rival models. Facing the new generation of competitive hardware, the long-awaited follow-up products need to be truly "a blockbuster". Valve's so-called "Blade Runner" themed device is related to a previously leaked set of VR controllers, codenamed "Roy."
Furthermore, Gabe Follower believes that Valve is prepared to make financial sacrifices in order to gain a foothold in the highly competitive market: "Even if it is sold at the current price, it will be a loss. A few months ago, we saw a leaked controller model in a SteamVR update - Roy "It will use the same SteamOS as SteamDeck, but tuned for virtual reality. One of its core features is the ability to play flat games already available on SteamDeck, but in VR without the need for a PC. The first closed-door demos may begin soon."