Rumors are circulating about a new company venturing into high-end VR. Whispers are growing louder that Valve, the company behind Steam and the Index VR headset, is preparing to launch its own standalone, wireless VR headset codenamed "Deckard." Latest leaks suggest a potential store release as soon as late 2025 at a premium price.
Rumored Design of Valve Deckard VR Controllers
The Buzz: Wireless VR with a $1200 Price Tag
Gabe Follower, a well-known source for Valve information, reported that Deckard is slated for a late 2025 launch. The rumored price is $1,200 for the complete kit. This is not aimed at the budget market. Valve is apparently targeting the enthusiast market, prioritizing a no-compromise experience even if it means losing money on hardware sales. Is this the headset that will truly test the boundaries
Standalone and Inspired by the Steam Deck
One of the most interesting rumors about Deckard is its standalone and totally wireless nature. Imagine VR without PC connection. It is expected to feature a VR-adapted version of SteamOS, the operating system powering the Steam Deck. This presents an interesting opportunity. Users could potentially play existing Steam Deck compatible games on a large virtual screen without needing a PC. This offers both portability and immersion.
"Roy" Controllers in the Picture
Leaked controller models codenamed "Roy" were found in SteamVR updates. These are rumored to be the controllers for Deckard. Initial images indicate a design shift from the motion tracking rings of Index controllers to a more ergonomic and compact design, possibly resembling traditional gamepads. This might indicate a move away from solely room-scale tracking for VR experiences.
Valve's VR History and Future Ambitions
Valve is not new to VR. The Valve Index, released in 2019, was known for high-accuracy applications. However, it attracted a niche consumer base. With Deckard, Valve seems to be investing in higher-end products, not targeting the mass market like Meta. Will this strategy succeed? Will Deckard recapture the appeal of the Index while advancing VR
Rumor-Related Takeaways
- Late 2025 Launch Window: Anticipate a release near the end of next year.
- $1200 Price Tag (Rumored): A premium price for premium VR.
- Standalone: Envisioning an untethered future for VR gaming.
- SteamOS Powered: Potential Steam Deck game compatibility in VR.
- New "Roy" Controllers: Ergonomic design, possibly gamepad-like features.
- High-End Focus: Valve targeting enthusiasts, not the mass market.
Key questions remain. Will the performance justify the price? Will there be a killer app like Half-Life: Alyx to drive adoption? Will this rumor become a real product? More details are expected as 2025 approaches. The VR world is watching and waiting.
