Back in 2021, whispers about Valve’s standalone XR headset, known as ‘Deckard’, started making rounds. Now, tech analyst and VR expert Brad Lynch (also known as ‘SadlyItsBradley’) has uncovered some juicy tidbits that suggest Valve might be ramping up production for this much-anticipated device.
The exact details of Deckard remain scarce, but if rumors hold true, it sounds like Valve’s next big thing will be a standalone headset capable of wirelessly streaming PC VR games. This would potentially put it in direct competition with heavy hitters like the Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro.
Lynch, who often shares inside information about the XR world, recently reported that Valve has been bringing in equipment for making VR headset facial interfaces right here in the U.S. According to Lynch’s post on X, Teleray Group, which previously produced parts for the Valve Index and the HP G2 Omnicept, is supplying this machinery.
Considering the Valve Index is nearing its sixth birthday, it seems doubtful that Valve would focus on creating new parts for that older model. Instead, all signs point to their future endeavors in the XR arena.
There’s some speculation about why Valve is choosing to manufacture these components domestically. It could be a strategic move to avoid the recent tariffs on Chinese imports, which have been imposed by former President Donald Trump.
Lynch also pointed out that Valve is using the same facility in the U.S. that once produced their Lighthouse 2.0 base stations, which they vacated nearly two years ago. He speculates this might be an initiative to manufacture new parts for Deckard while avoiding some of the tariff-induced costs, or it could even be for the development of future headset components, though he doubts this reasoning.
Over the past four years, speculation and supposed leaks about Deckard have been abundant, but recent developments suggest we may finally be approaching its launch.
In late 2024, certain leaks revealed 3D models in a SteamVR update that showed a new VR motion controller named ‘Roy’. This new device appears to deviate from the usual VR controller designs, opting instead for a more traditional gamepad layout. If Valve sticks with this setup, it could mean Deckard will closely align with the input setup of the Steam Deck.
In early 2025, the well-known leaker ‘Gabe Follower’ predicted that Deckard could hit the shelves by the end of 2025, potentially with a $1,200 price tag. He suggested that Valve might sell the device at a loss, with Deckard expected to run on a version of SteamOS, much like the Steam Deck, though specifically adapted for VR experiences.
