Since whispers about Valve’s standalone XR headset, nicknamed ‘Deckard’, started circulating back in 2021, the gaming community has been buzzing with anticipation. Fast forward to now, and it seems like Valve is finally progressing towards making this long-rumored device a reality, according to insights from tech analyst and VR enthusiast Brad Lynch, also known as ‘SadlyItsBradley’.
Most details about Deckard remain under wraps. However, speculation is rife that Valve’s upcoming headset will be a standalone gadget capable of wirelessly streaming PC VR games. This positions it as a potential rival to Meta Quest and Apple’s Vision Pro.
Brad Lynch, often a go-to source for XR industry insights, has recently unveiled that Valve is in the process of importing equipment specifically for crafting VR headset facial interfaces in the U.S. He shared in a post on X that Teleray Group, which also produced components for Valve Index and the HP G2 Omnicept, is supplying this equipment.
Given that Valve Index is approaching six years on the market, it’s doubtful Valve is looking at refreshing facial interfaces for their older PC VR headset. This indicates their focus is likely set on their anticipated new entry into the XR market.
The decision to manufacture critical components in the U.S. might be a strategic move to circumvent the tariffs on Chinese goods imposed by the U.S. Government. Lynch also notes that Valve is utilizing the same American facility that once housed production for the Lighthouse 2.0 base stations, which has been dormant for nearly two years.
Lynch speculates, “Perhaps Valve is aiming to leverage that facility for making some new components during Deckard’s market life, possibly avoiding some tariff challenges. Alternatively, they could be prototyping future HMD components nearby. However, I suspect they already have R&D equipment suited for such tasks.”
Although Deckard has been the center of speculation for nearly four years, recent reports suggest Valve might not be that far from launching the device, as production preparations seem to be gaining momentum.
A particularly interesting tidbit emerged in November 2024 when leaked 3D models tucked in a SteamVR update hinted at a new VR motion controller, named ‘Roy’. This design moves away from conventional VR controller layouts and adopts a more classical gamepad-style button configuration. If this design holds, Deckard could deliver an input experience closely resembling the Steam Deck.
Earlier this year, a report by another frequent leaker, ‘Gabe Follower’, predicted Deckard might hit the shelves by the end of 2025 with a price tag of $1,200. Gabe Follower added that this price point represents a strategic decision to sell Deckard at a loss, and the headset will likely run on an adapted version of SteamOS, similar to what powers the Steam Deck.
