Valve’s New VR Controller Leak Sparks Optimism for Next-Gen ‘Deckard’ Headset

Recently, hidden within a SteamVR update, some leaked 3D models have surfaced that seem to hint at a new VR motion controller. This has reignited speculation that Valve might finally be set to unveil its much-anticipated standalone VR headset, unofficially known as ‘Deckard.’

Tech analyst Brad ‘SadlyitsBradley’ Lynch uncovered this scoop. He stumbled across two new controllers within recent SteamVR drivers. These are identified as a new VR motion controller, tagged ‘Roy,’ and a new gamepad, referred to as ‘Ibex.’

Breaking away from the conventional VR motion controllers, which usually come with two action buttons per controller, the design of the Roy model appears to lean more towards a traditional gamepad. On the left side, there’s a directional pad, while the right side houses four action buttons. This model also includes start and select buttons, and bumper buttons perched above each trigger.

The images which show the outcome when these models are imported into Blender, a suite for creating 3D computer graphics, are intriguing. But if you’re looking to obtain the files now, unfortunately, Valve has already removed them in a recent SteamVR software update.

From past Valve leaks, Lynch explains that every button on the Roy controller “features capacitive touch, likely to help with creating a hand skeleton.” He further guesses that some UI interactions might be associated with Deckard’s alleged eye-tracking technology.

For years, many VR headset makers have chosen layouts similar to Meta’s Touch controllers. However, Valve has always maintained a unique approach. Take the Index (also known as ‘Knuckles’) controllers, for example. They offered ‘hands-off’ interactions with a snug wrist strap and even included small touchpads for UI navigation, emulating inputs for older HTC Vive wand-created games.

The rumor mill has been buzzing about the Deckard ever since a string of code was discovered in a Steam update in January 2021, alluding to a standalone VR device. Supposedly, Deckard will feature wireless PC VR streaming, eye-tracking, and perhaps AR pass-through capabilities, making it a potential competitor to Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro.

Alongside the Roy, another controller, the Ibex, also popped up in this leak. Its design seems to echo the control layout of the Steam Deck handheld, showcasing the prominent dual touchpads that have become its signature. A thumbnail render model that leaked in SteamVR drivers provides a clearer view of Ibex.

So far, data miners are eagerly awaiting the day Deckard itself makes an appearance. Valve’s tight-lipped stance means its actual look and design remain a closely guarded secret. Considering how swiftly they patched out the controller models, Valve might handle future software leaks with extra caution.

Whether the leaks were on purpose or incidental, the tech world is no stranger to such occurrences. Notably, Valve Index’s design was leaked a full six months before its official release in June 2019. For now, we’ll stay vigilant for any more hints from Valve, anticipating a potential surprise release, which would be quite in line with how Valve likes to operate.