Rumors about Valve’s standalone XR headset, known by its codename ‘Deckard’, have been swirling since 2021. Recently, tech analyst and VR enthusiast Brad Lynch, also known as ‘SadlyItsBradley’, shared new insights suggesting that Valve might be revving up to produce this eagerly awaited device.
Despite its mysterious allure, speculation hints that Deckard will be a standalone headset capable of wirelessly streaming PC VR games. This feature would put it in direct competition with the Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro.
Brad Lynch, who often unveils XR industry secrets, noted that Valve has started importing equipment to manufacture VR headset facial interfaces within the United States.
In a post on X, Lynch stated, “The equipment is coming from Teleray Group, the same company that produced gaskets for the Valve Index and HP G2 Omnicept.”
Given the Valve Index has been around for nearly six years, it seems unlikely that Valve is crafting new prototypes for this aging VR headset. Instead, this points to a fresh entry into the XR market.
Valve’s decision to produce key parts in the U.S. might be a strategic move to avoid heightened tariffs from China, following recent policies from former President Donald Trump.
Lynch also highlighted that Valve is utilizing their old U.S. facility once used for manufacturing the Lighthouse 2.0 base stations, which they vacated roughly two years ago.
He speculates, “Perhaps they’re leveraging this facility to craft new components while Deckard is on the market, helping to dodge tariff challenges or potentially testing future HMD gasket designs at Valve. Though I suspect they’ve long had small-scale R&D setups for such work.”
Deckard, cloaked in secrecy for nearly four years, has generated a storm of rumors and leaks. Recent insights, however, suggest Valve is poised to begin production, hinting that its official debut might not be far off.
Back in November 2024, leaked 3D models discovered in a SteamVR update unveiled a new VR motion controller, codenamed ‘Roy’. These models show a departure from the usual motion controller design, favoring a gamepad-style button layout instead of the standard Touch layout. If Valve moves forward with this design, it could mean Deckard will offer a seamless 1:1 input experience with the Steam Deck.
Further fueling the anticipation, a February report by leaker and data miner ‘Gabe Follower’ indicated that Valve aims to release Deckard by the end of 2025, setting a price of $1,200. Gabe Follower suggests that this price tag means selling Deckard at a loss and notes that it will likely run the same SteamOS as the Steam Deck, but tailored for VR.
