Valve Debunks RDNA4 Steam Console Rumors — Regularly Tests New Hardware Without Planning Own Device Release

Recently, the gaming community was buzzing with rumors about a new Steam Console, only to have those hopes dashed by Valve developer Pierre-Loup Griffais. According to a statement shared on BlueSky, Griffais clarified that while Valve is indeed working with AMD to update software for upcoming GPU architectures, it doesn’t mean they’re diving back into the Steam Machine initiative. What Valve is doing, Griffais explained, is maintaining its longstanding partnership with AMD, just as they’ve done since the launch of AMD’s Vega architecture.

So, does that mean the idea of a new Steam Console is totally off the table? At least for now, it seems so. But let’s dig deeper into Valve’s journey into console territory and explore the potential for a reboot of the Steam Machine project or a sequel to the Steam Deck.

### Current Insights into Valve’s Hardware Plans

There are clues suggesting a new Steam console is unlikely, especially considering that consoles typically ship with hardware built on existing architectures. Even successful entries like the Steam Deck require meticulous planning and testing. When the Steam Deck hit the market in 2022, it utilized AMD’s RDNA 2 tech, which debuted in 2020. This gave it a foundation from established technology rather than cutting-edge components, highlighting Valve’s conservative approach to new hardware releases.

Right now, the graphic capabilities in top integrated GPU solutions stem from AMD’s RDNA 3 and 3.5 architectures. However, while these deliver good performance, breakthroughs in battery efficiency remain elusive. Valve’s focus on the Steam Deck 2, slated to be released in a few years, seems to underscore their preference for further hardware improvement before venturing into new console releases.

There’s also the matter of RDNA 4. While promising, it’s still wrapped in mystery regarding its power requirements, performance benefits, and pricing. We’re unlikely to see it powering handheld PCs anytime soon.

### Gazing into the Future with Speculation

Speculation is always fun, especially when it could be grounded in reality. Late last year, leaks hinted at new designs from Valve for a revamped Steam Controller and next-gen VR devices. There might even be moves towards revising the Steam Link box or revisiting the Steam Machine project. However, these new controllers could just as easily be for enhancing play on current systems like the Steam Deck.

The notion of a Steam Console isn’t entirely outlandish. Once Steam OS 3 becomes widely available, it might attract interest from other manufacturers looking to integrate it into mini PCs, laptops, and similar devices. Such a move would align with Valve’s strategy to remain competitive without launching a direct rival to traditional consoles.

For any next-generation handheld improvement, Valve needs hardware that can handle Ray Tracing at minimal power consumption. Current RDNA 4 GPUs are not yet efficient enough for the power profiles of portable consoles. Moving to more energy-efficient chip manufacturing processes could be the key, and advancements could make next-gen handhelds more viable.

But is a dedicated Steam Console necessary? Given the hybrid capabilities of the Steam Deck when combined with a docking station, it already outperforms competitors like the Nintendo Switch in a similar setup. Valve, like Nintendo, might see more advantage in hybrid handheld solutions that cleverly sidestep head-on competition with full-sized gaming consoles or PCs.

Ultimately, while the dream of a new Steam Console might be on hold, the evolution in Valve’s hardware promises exciting possibilities for the future of gaming.