Steam Deck 2 concept truly reflects what Valve’s next-gen handheld should be

Valve bemused mobile gamers with the 7-inch display Steam Deck at the beginning of 2022, having the ability to run Windows apps and games. Loaded with a custom AMD Zen 2 + RDNA 2 APU, and up to 512GB of storage the handheld plays a variety of games from the Steam platform – including AAA titles, indie games, and emulators.

A fair choice for gamers who want to enjoy PC games on the go, while not missing out on the option to be productive with web browsing, document editing, and coding options. The handheld comes with nuances like average battery life, availability for purchase and price. With all the leaks and speculations around, a Steam Deck 2 is poised to take on the likes of Asus ROG Ally, Razer Edge, Ayaneo Geek and Nintendo Switch.

Designer: Carota Design

According to Valve lead designer, Lawrence Lang “A true next-gen Deck with a significant bump in horsepower wouldn’t be for a few years.” That signals a release that could be far off than imagined. Realistically speaking a 2026 release, or if Steam finds a major bump in hardware compared to the current generation Deck, we are looking at a 2025 timeline.

This gives concept designers at Carota to muster up the probable design of the second generation of the successful Deck. Better display, battery life and a performance-oriented core that can outshine the competition will be on the agenda. Having no stick drift assisted by the Hall Effect sensor, even after years of usage will be the major selling point of the new-age handheld. Since gamers will invest in this gaming console considering a long-term horizon, premium Hall Effect sensors are a certainty in the upcoming handheld.

This concept iteration of the Valve’s handheld carries the DNA of the current generation Deck both in form and ergonomics. The dual trackpads look even better, grip buttons reassure better positioning, D-pad is now well poised and the main buttons like power and volume toggle are repositioned. The handheld has a slightly contoured shape at the edges and the display protrudes somewhat from the main body frame.

From one render of the Deck 2 concept, the wireless charging capability with the official dock can also not be counted out. Would I personally get Deck 2 if it’s this one? Most certainly, yes!