Steam Deck designers Lawrence Young and Pierre-Loup Griffais spoke with media outlets to lay out what fans can expect from the next Steam Deck model and how Valve plans to handle the current device as it continues to evolve.
Valve emphasized that updates will be released while the device remains in public hands, and that ongoing fixes will address issues reported by users as they surface. According to Young, the team manages two separate task lists: one for bugs encountered by players and another for planned improvements that aim to refine the experience over time. The rise in reported bugs has driven the team to shift toward monthly update cycles, with updates that download quietly in the background to minimize disruption and keep players fully informed about what has changed after each release.
The upcoming model is expected to feature a brighter, sharper display and improved battery efficiency, translating into longer play sessions between charges. Hardware performance is not slated for a major overhaul; Valve intends to preserve the core processing capabilities that players rely on while they wait for the advent of newer, more powerful processors that could unlock higher frame rates and more demanding game environments in future generations.
Beyond the hardware, Valve also outlined plans to revisit the Steam Controller concept with a second iteration in the pipeline. While specifics were not disclosed, the direction suggests a continued interest in alternative input methods and ergonomic iterations that could complement the Steam Deck’s handheld form. On the software side, Valve intends to roll out enhancements such as a built-in audio mixer for more flexible sound control, the ability to select Bluetooth codecs while in game mode, and potential expansion into mobile gaming experiences via Steam’s platform.
Valve clarified that there is no opposition to bringing popular mobile game titles to Steam Deck, but doing so would require adjustments to the Steam storefront and ecosystem to ensure a seamless balance between handheld play and the broader PC game catalog. The conversation underscored Valve’s commitment to maintaining compatibility, performance, and user experience as the platform grows, while continuing to listen to community feedback and adapt the roadmap accordingly.