Valve Develops Essential XR Components, Indicating ‘Deckard’ Standalone May Enter Production

Ever since whispers about Valve’s new XR headset, code-named ‘Deckard,’ surfaced in 2021, the tech community has been eagerly waiting for more concrete information. Recently, tech analyst and VR expert Brad Lynch, also known as ‘SadlyItsBradley,’ shed some light on possible developments. It looks like Valve might finally be moving forward with production of this much-anticipated device.

The specifics about Deckard are still shrouded in mystery. However, rumors suggest it’s a standalone headset, equipped to stream PC VR games wirelessly. This would place it right alongside heavyweights like Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro in the virtual reality race.

Lynch, who often shares insider information from the XR industry, noted that Valve has been bringing in equipment to produce VR headset facial interfaces within the United States. According to a post on X (formerly Twitter), this equipment is supplied by the Teleray Group, the same company behind the gaskets for Valve Index and the HP G2 Omnicept.

Valve Index has been around for nearly six years now, so it’s unlikely the company is tweaking designs for an older model. This points to Deckard being Valve’s next big venture in the XR realm. Speculation also surrounds Valve’s decision to manufacture these components in the U.S., potentially as a strategy to avoid steep tariffs imposed on Chinese goods under recent trade policies.

Interestingly, this isn’t just about new equipment. Lynch reports that Valve is repurposing a facility once used for Lighthouse 2.0 base stations. The use of existing infrastructure might signal a cost-effective way to bring Deckard to market without major tariff concerns. Lynch doubts this is purely for prototyping future designs, as Valve has likely had R&D capabilities for years.

This project has been the subject of endless speculation over the past few years. But with Valve seemingly gearing up for production, it feels like we’re inching closer to officially meeting Deckard.

Back in November 2024, a SteamVR update leaked 3D models of a new VR motion controller, codenamed ‘Roy.’ This controller opts for a traditional gamepad-style button layout, different from the common Touch layout. If Valve sticks with this design, Deckard could deliver an input experience similar to that of the Steam Deck.

Earlier this year, another notable leaker, ‘Gabe Follower,’ hinted that Valve might release Deckard by the close of 2025, setting the price at around $1,200. Intriguingly, Gabe Follower suggests that this price point means Valve could be selling Deckard at a loss. They also note that the headset is expected to run on a VR-adapted version of the SteamOS, already familiar to Steam Deck users.

With all these clues aligning, the gaming world is on the edge of its seat, keenly anticipating Valve’s next major play in the VR arena.