Valve Debunks RDNA4 Steam Console Rumors — Regularly Tests Hardware Beyond Its Own Devices

In response to the swirling speculation about a new Steam Console in the works, Valve developer Pierre-Loup Griffais has officially put those rumors to rest on BlueSky. As reported by GamingOnLinux, the buzz was inaccurately linked to Valve’s work on AMD’s RDNA 4 architecture. Griffais explained that Valve’s current focus involves pre-release work on Mesa Vulkan for AMD, similar to efforts since the AMD Vega days. However, while Valve continues to develop software alongside upcoming GPU tech, this doesn’t equate to a re-launch of the Steam Machine project.

So, is the dream of a fresh Steam Console just a pipe dream now? For the time being, yes. But let’s dig into Valve’s journey into the console territory and explore the potential for a Steam Machine revival or perhaps a Steam Deck 2.

### Understanding Valve’s Hardware Roadmap

First things first, the idea of a new Steam Console wasn’t ever hinging on the mere enablement of pre-release technology like AMD’s RDNA 4. When it comes to consoles, including the Steam Deck, they’ll often use tailored hardware based on current architectures, typically a step behind the very latest. A significant level of planning goes into introducing these platforms.

Take the Steam Deck introduced in 2022, for instance—it rolled out with AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture, which debuted in November 2020. That places about an 18-month gap from its GPU architecture debut and about two and a half years from the Zen 2 CPU technology. Bringing RDNA 4 into a feasible handheld design involves substantial time, effort, and investment.

Currently, top-performing integrated GPU setups leverage AMD’s RDNA 3 and 3.5 architectures. While there’s been some progress in performance, especially when plugged in, handheld consoles mainly face battery life constraints. Recent advances, such as the Ryzen AI HX 300 Series with RDNA 3.5 graphics, have only been emerging in the last few months.

Notably, the fact that a Steam Deck 2 is “at least two or three years away,” suggests Valve is waiting for a bigger leap in hardware potential. Console makers usually prefer more time between product generations, making an RDNA 4 iGPU a distant prospect for the next Steam Deck iteration. Consequently, it seems overly ambitious for Valve to unveil three distinct SteamOS hardware platforms within a seven-year span.

### Gazing Into the Future

Venturing into a bit of speculation, while staying grounded in hardware realities, there were credible leaks last year indicating Valve’s exploration of new designs. These include an updated Steam Controller, echoing the Steam Deck’s layout, as well as next-generation VR controllers. The development of a new Steam Controller might signal Valve’s interest in revisiting the Steam Machine idea or enhancing Steam Link capabilities. However, it may simply aim at optimizing the interface between Steam Deck handheld and docked play, supporting Steam Input’s advanced features like touch-sensitive gyro functionality.

Could we see a new Steam Console eventually? The possibility isn’t entirely off the table. Once Steam OS 3 gets a broader release, we might see it embraced by mini-PCs, laptops, and more. A larger physical setup could better accommodate features like real-time ray tracing. As of now, achieving 30 FPS with some ray-tracing elements is the limit on existing Deck hardware, with full RT being impractical due to both outdated tech and power limitations.

For a significant leap in handheld power, beyond what RDNA 4 alone offers, Valve would need a more capable GPU architecture with efficient power consumption, balancing around 25W or 15W TDP scenarios suitable for devices like the ROG Ally or Steam Deck. While current RDNA 4 desktop GPUs may operate at much higher TDPs (up to 175W), the future might bring smaller, more efficient nodes like N3 or N2, essential for striking a balance between performance and cost in handheld devices.

But does Valve even need a standalone console? Combine a Steam Deck with a compatible docking station, and it already edges out the Nintendo Switch in terms of raw power. If Nintendo has moved away from traditional home consoles, Valve might also lean towards a hybrid direction, balancing between handheld and home gaming without directly competing with major consoles or gaming PCs.