This week, Valve is back in the XR spotlight. The Index proved a massive leap for XR gaming and headset innovation. However, following a much-hyped release at the height of Meta Quest 2 adoption, Valve has remained quiet on a follow-up device.
However, much like the many historic leaks from Apple and Samsung regarding each firm’s XR device, a savvy ‘insider’ reveals Valve’s following headset details ahead of official announcements.
As always, with unofficial leaks and even official patent requests, the information should be taken with a grain of salt, as even if the information is correct, it may not reflect the end device once it hits the market.
Via X trusted Valve insider ‘Gabefollower‘ explained that “several people have confirmed that Valve is aiming to release new standalone, wireless VR headset (codename Deckard) by the end of 2025. ” According to the social media post, the device could cost $1200 for a complete package.
Several people have confirmed that Valve is aiming to release new standalone, wireless VR headset (codename Deckard) by the end of 2025. The current price for the full bundle is set to be $1200. Including some “in-house” games (or demos) that are already done. Valve want to give… pic.twitter.com/alHzQuwNvc
— Gabe Follower (@gabefollower) February 26, 2025
The Steam Deck, AndroidXR Connection
Despite Meta and others’ transition to providing MR devices instead of solely VR devices, according to the leaker, Deckard will use the same SteamOS from Steam Deck “but adapted for virtual reality.”
The Steam Deck OS connection is very interesting, however, and for two reasons. First, Steam Deck users will know that third-party plug-ins allow users to stream games to XR devices like the XREAL smart glasses portfolio. Second, supporting the Steam Deck—a mobile gaming device—almost ensures that Deckard will be released with optimisations to operate as a mobile XR device rather than a tethered one like the Valve Index.
“The first behind-closed-doors presentations could start soon,” says the leaker, but if this information reflects true, the end product may be seen soon.
XR devices are gaining new investments and traction in 2025, with firms like Samsung entering the market and Meta funnelling more money into its XR portfolio. The timing could be valuable for Valve as more eyes are on the market and interest is always high regarding Valve’s next product.
Interestingly, the news also comes just a few months after the debut of AndriodXR, a new OS for XR products that gained adoption and support from various industry leaders; one of those is Lynx.
Lynx, one of its listed supporting firms, has released a VR headset in the past, but it hasn’t gained much interest. However, the Steam Deck is a LynxOS-powered device. If the Deckard device is expected to run alongside the Steam Deck, Lynx support will be needed, perhaps suggesting that the AndriodXR ecosystem could play a role in this potential future.
This could be further supported by a comment from Lynx Founder Stan Larroque, whereby he told Road to VR that the company’s pre-existing devices will not adopt AndroidXR, “but future headsets from the company will,” potentially a hint at Deckard?
Again, leaks are speculative, so a grain of salt is much needed. However, the general ecosystem is growing, and where major computing firms will slot together will significantly affect device adoption and the industry as a whole, so keeping an ear to the ground is needed.
