Fans eager for a more powerful successor to the nearly four-year-old Steam Deck will have to wait. In a recent interview with IGN, Valve’s hardware engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais explained that the industry’s current chip technology doesn’t yet support a significant upgrade for a new portable gaming device.

“We’re focused on ensuring that any future Steam Deck offers a meaningful performance boost,” Griffais noted. “Our goal isn’t just a 20 or 50 percent increase in power at the same battery life. We want a clear step forward that justifies a new product.”

He emphasized that Valve is actively monitoring advancements in system-on-chip (SoC) technology and architectural innovations. However, as of now, the available chips do not meet their standards for delivering a true next-generation gaming experience in a portable form.

Industry experts confirm that chip development has slowed, with the latest offerings unable to provide the performance leap needed for a new generation of handheld consoles. Valve’s cautious approach highlights their commitment to quality and future-proofing their hardware.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.