80%
Probable
Reputable AMD leaker Kepler_L2 reports that Valve is targeting a 2028 launch window for the Steam Deck 2, though that might change depending on the duration of the ongoing RAM and NAND component crisis. On the upside, since it's not going to be based on a semi-custom SoC like Sony's PlayStation 6 or Microsoft's "Project Helix" Xbox Next, a delay could also be used to improve its specifications.
In a post submitted on the NeoGAF board, the leaker wrote:
They were targeting 2028 AFAIK, but the whole RAM/NAND situation could delay it. Also, since they don't have a semi-custom SoC, unlike the PS6/Xbox if it gets delayed it could end up with better specs.
Unlike the original Steam Machine, the Steam Deck was a big success for Valve, ushering in a new era of PC handheld gaming devices that others (chiefly ASUS with its ROG Ally) have since contributed to. The Steam Deck is believed to have sold around four million units in its first three years on the market.
However, it received only a minor hardware improvement with the OLED model, boosting RAM speed from 5500 to 6500 MT/s. Users have been clamoring for a proper Steam Deck 2, but Valve, after Gabe Newell himself confirmed it's happening, told fans they would wait for a significant technological breakthrough rather than ship an incremental upgrade.
The most recent update came from Software Engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais in November 2025. Griffais reiterated that Valve isn't interested in a Steam Deck 2 that only delivers a 30% or even 50% performance improvement, though they do have a "pretty good idea" of what it'll have to be.
If it ships in 2028 or even later, it's pretty much a given that it will be powered by AMD's new RDNA 5 and Zen 6 architectures, leveraging the latest advancements for a truly next-generation PC handheld experience. As a reminder, the current Steam Deck is based on RDNA 2 and Zen 2, and it's even outperformed by the Nintendo Switch 2.
About the author: With over two decades of experience in gaming journalism, Alessio Palumbo has led the gaming vertical at Wccftech since August 2015. He started working at a young age for Italian websites like Everyeye.it, Gamestar.it, Nextgame.it, and Multiplayer.it before kickstarting the indie English-language publication Worlds Factory as its founder and Editor in Chief. In the last decade, he has coordinated the overall output of Wccftech's gaming section, managed PR relations, assigned reviews, produced daily news coverage, edited gaming content as needed, and delivered game reviews. Arguably, his trademark content is the long series of exclusive developer interviews that have been cited by Wikipedia and by the biggest news media and gaming publications. His passion for technology also makes him knowledgeable when it comes to gaming hardware and tech. His favorite genres include RPGs, MMORPGs, and action/adventure games.
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