Valve Debunks RDNA4 Steam Console Rumors — Regularly Tests Hardware Not Destined for Its Devices

In response to recent buzz surrounding the possibility of a new Steam Console, a report from GamingOnLinux clarified that it’s all just speculation with no basis in reality. Valve developer Pierre-Loup Griffais took to BlueSky to confirm, putting the rumors to rest. Griffais explained that the ongoing work on Mesa Vulkan with AMD’s upcoming RDNA 4 architecture is quite standard for Valve. This approach goes as far back as AMD’s Vega architecture days. While it’s true that Valve is actively updating and testing software for future GPU architectures, it doesn’t imply a sudden resurgence of the Steam Machine concept.

So, does this mean the dream of a new Steam Console is dashed? Well, at least for now, it seems that way. However, it’s worth taking a closer look at Valve’s history in the console market to explore the potential for a revitalized Steam Machine or even a Steam Deck 2.

### Insights Into Valve’s Hardware Ambitions

The idea that a new Steam Console is imminent because of support for AMD’s RDNA 4 doesn’t align with reality. Consoles, including devices like the Steam Deck, usually ship with bespoke hardware derived from existing technologies. By the time these consoles hit the market, their tech is typically a bit outdated. This is due to the extensive planning required for such launches.

Take the Steam Deck, for instance, launched in 2022 with AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture, which actually debuted back in November 2020. This put the Steam Deck about 18 months behind its GPU architecture and even further behind its Zen 2 CPU roots. To incorporate RDNA 4 into a feasible APU for handhelds would require significant resources in terms of time, money, and effort.

Currently, the top integrated graphics solutions feature RDNA 3 and RDNA 3.5, yet we haven’t witnessed significant improvements in performance while running on battery power. Although there’s higher performance when plugged in, handhelds heavily rely on battery efficiency. Only recently have Ryzen AI HX 300 Series APUs with RDNA 3.5 iGPUs started appearing.

Valve isn’t prioritizing a Steam Console for now, particularly since the Steam Deck 2 isn’t expected to arrive for at least two to three more years. They’re waiting on substantial advancements in hardware capability. Considering the norm in console releases, which is to wait for more significant technological leaps, it’s unlikely we’ll see an RDNA 4 incorporated in the next Steam Deck anytime soon. Launching three separate SteamOS hardware platforms in less than seven years would be quite unusual.

RDNA 4 is exciting, but there are still big questions marks around it—like its power consumption, performance capabilities, and overall cost. It might take a while before we see it integrated into something like a handheld PC.

### Gazing Into the Future

Now, let’s venture into speculation—while keeping in mind the realities of PC hardware and its effects on the handheld console marketplace.

Late last year, leaks suggested new designs from Valve for an updated Steam Controller with a Deck-like design and new VR controllers. The continued evolution of the Steam Controller could signal Valve’s intent to bring back something similar to the Steam Link or Steam Machine. Alternatively, it could simply fulfill the demand from those who split their time between Steam Deck handheld and docked gameplay, leveraging Steam Input features like gyro support.

Despite all this, the idea of a new Steam Console is not entirely out of the question. Once SteamOS 3 rolls out widely, we might see more manufacturers adopt it for mini PCs, laptops, and handheld devices. Plus, a larger form factor console would enable more advanced features like real-time ray tracing. On existing Deck hardware, ray tracing is feasible only at downgraded settings, as the hardware can’t handle full RT due to its age and power limitations.

For Valve to achieve true leaps in handheld performance, merely improving RT capabilities with RDNA 4 won’t suffice. Valve needs a GPU architecture delivering robust results at minimal power consumption levels, like a 25W or even 15W TDP. As of now, full discrete RDNA 4 mobile GPUs operate between 80-175W, showing AMD has work to do.

That said, future advancements in chip technology could bridge the gap. RDNA 4 will employ TSMC’s N4 process node, established a couple of years ago. The Van Gogh APU used in the Steam Deck uses the much older N7 node. A shift to N5 or N4 would undoubtedly aid performance. Looking ahead, N3 and N2 nodes might be within reach, facilitating more efficient and affordable chips for future handhelds.

Now, do we even need a new Steam Console? Pairing a Steam Deck with a docking station already delivers more power than something like the Nintendo Switch. With Nintendo seemingly moving away from traditional consoles, Valve might focus on hybrid-handheld hardware that doesn’t directly compete with mainstream consoles or gaming PCs.