Valve Dismisses Speculation About RDNA4-Based Steam Console, Clarifies Routine Hardware Testing

Following a recent article from GamingOnLinux debunking the whispers about a new Steam console in testing, Valve developer Pierre-Loup Griffais stepped forward on BlueSky to set the record straight. He explained that their current work surrounding Mesa Vulkan for AMD’s RDNA 4 architecture follows their long-standing tradition of supporting evolving GPU tech since AMD’s Vega days. It’s true they’re working with upcoming GPU architectures, but that doesn’t mean a reboot of the Steam Machine is in the works.

So, are the hopes for a new Steam Console dashed? At least for now… But let’s break down Valve’s historical dance with the console sphere and explore what might be in store for a renewed Steam Machine effort or perhaps a new edition, the Steam Deck 2.

## Valve’s Hardware Roadmap

The buzz around a potential Steam console wasn’t ever solidly connected to the introduction of AMD’s RDNA 4 architecture alone. Consoles, including ones like the Steam Deck, typically bring custom hardware derived from existing tech. By the time these consoles hit the market, their GPU and CPU tech is often a step or two behind the current leading edge. This lag results from extensive planning required to launch such platforms.

When the Steam Deck was rolled out in 2022, it harnessed AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture, which debuted back in November 2020. This reflectively places roughly a year and a half between the architecture’s initial unveiling and its implementation in the Deck, and approximately two and a half years for its CPU’s Zen 2 architecture. For AMD’s RDNA 4, designated for desktops, integrating it into a viable APU for a portable device would demand even more investment in time and resources.

The leading iGPU technologies are currently based on AMD’s RDNA 3 and 3.5 architectures, but noticeable performance improvements, particularly when running on battery power, remain elusive. While there’s better performance when connected to a power source, handheld devices face strict limitations due to battery life. The Ryzen AI HX 300 series APUs with RDNA 3.5 iGPU have only recently hit the scene.

Another clear indicator that a new Steam Console isn’t Valve’s immediate concern is their statement that the Steam Deck 2 is “at least two or three years away.” Valve is waiting on significant advancements in hardware capabilities before proceeding. A considerable generational gap between console releases is typical, so although an RDNA 4 iGPU could feasibly slot into an eventual Steam Deck 2, don’t hold your breath for its release anytime soon. Launching three new SteamOS devices in less than seven years seems quite ambitious.

While RDNA 4 sparks curiosity, there’s much left in the dark — specifically, its energy consumption, performance levels, and cost. It will take a while before we see it adapted into something like a handheld PC.

## Gazing into the Future

Let’s dive into what lies beyond the horizon and conjecture fueled by existing knowledge of PC hardware and its ramifications for the (handheld) console market.

Late last year, credible leaks surfaced showing new Valve designs — notably, a revamped Steam Controller inspired by Deck’s design and futuristic VR controllers. The signs hint at potentially reviving the Steam Link box or even the Steam Machine concept. However, this iteration might just aim to harmonize the gaming experience between handheld and docked modes, offering enthusiasts a consistent platform with Steam Input benefits like touch-sensitive gyro features.

Does a Steam Console seem entirely implausible? Not exactly. When Steam OS 3 becomes widely available, mini PCs, laptops, handhelds, and similar devices could increasingly adopt the system. Additionally, larger hardware could better support features like real-time ray tracing. Currently, on Deck, achieving 30 FPS is about the limit for games with partial rasterization, and full ray-tracing is out of reach due to outdated hardware and low power reserves.

For Valve to really advance handheld performance, more robust hardware than just RDNA 4’s useful RT features is required. A GPU architecture that meets 25W TDP (like ROG Ally, Legion Go, MSI Claw, etc.) or 15W TDP (Steam Deck) efficiency is essential. Given that full discrete RDNA 4 mobile GPUs are estimated at 80-175W TDP, AMD isn’t quite there yet.

Achieving this might be feasible, though. RDNA 4 will use TSMC’s N4 process, which has been around for over two years. The Steam Deck’s Van Gogh APU is on the older N7 node. Transitioning to N5 or N4 would help, and in a couple of years, more efficient N3 and N2 variants might become available. Smaller nodes optimized for efficiency could enable the creation of more competitive chips for new handhelds—given that the die size and price stay manageable.

But, do we need a dedicated Steam Console? Plunk a Steam Deck on a docking station and you already have a formidable home console, surpassing the Nintendo Switch’s capabilities. If a giant like Nintendo has shifted focus away from traditional home consoles, perhaps Valve sees greater value in the hybrid-handheld approach. This strategy might help them sidestep direct competition with dominant consoles and gaming PCs.