Valve's Steam Deck 2 is not yet near releasing from the company as it was not included in their recently revealed hardware lineup for next year.
Valve's Steam Deck 2 Is Nowhere Near Releasing
Two weeks ago, Valve surprised the world with the announcement of its new hardware slated for next year's release, but the Steam Deck 2 was not included in the lineup.
The new hardware lineup from Valve revealed the return of the Steam Machine, its all-in-one gaming hardware that emulates more of a PC than a console. On the other hand, Valve is also bringing back the Steam Controller to go alongside it.
There is also the new Steam Frame, which is a virtual reality headset for the company, complete with its pair of controllers.
While many questioned why the Steam Deck 2 was not part of this massive release lineup from Valve in 2026, there is an upside to why the company skipped updating its handheld console for now.
The slated hardware lineup for Valve's 2026 releases is already massive, with two gaming platforms and the controller.
Alongside this, many fans are also hopeful that the trio of new hardware from Valve would also warrant the release of "Half-Life 3," the sequel game that many hope to see return to the industry after its many years of absence.
Here's Why It's a Good Thing
But like "Half-Life 3," Valve avoided addressing the Steam Deck 2's release window and when it would be available. However, Valve has openly talked about the Steam Deck 2 before, unlike "Half-Life 3."
Valve previously said that it wants the world to enjoy the gaming experiences on the fairly new Steam Deck that was only released in 2022, and then followed by the Steam Deck OLED a year later. Other console manufacturers take five-year cycles before releasing a new one, and while Valve may or may not be following this, the company previously expressed that it is still too early for a successor.
The gaming company previously claimed that it wants to avoid "bloating" the gaming market with close gaps on hardware releases.
In today's bloated market, Valve is doing a good thing, says ComicBook Gaming, as it would give players more time to enjoy their hard-earned handhelds for now.
Additionally, when Valve comes to updating the handheld console, the Steam Deck 2 could usher in more upgrades and experiences that would make fans or players feel like it is an improved device.
Originally published on Player One
