Next-Gen Handheld: Steam Deck 2 Concept

Early in 2022, Valve introduced the Steam Deck, a handheld device with a 7-inch display that can run Windows applications and games. This portable gaming device opens up a world of gaming possibilities, comprising AAA games, indie gems, and even emulators, all through the Steam platform, and is powered by a bespoke AMD Zen 2 + RDNA 2 APU and provides up to 512GB of storage.

The Steam Deck has become an appealing choice for players who want the mobility to play PC games while on the go without giving up productivity features like online surfing, document editing, and scripting. It did have several quirks, though, such average battery life, accessibility, and cost factors. The anticipation for a potential Steam Deck 2 emerges amid the deluge of leaks and rumors, ready to take on the likes of the popular Nintendo Switch and the Asus ROG Ally.

Lawrence Lang, the principal designer at Valve, made a suggestion that a next-generation Deck with a significant performance gain might still be a few years off. Unless Steam catches the gaming community off guard with a significant hardware upgrade, in which case a 2025 release date becomes realistic, this could actually mean a 2026 release.

Carota Design’s concept artists have taken the opportunity to imagine what the following generation of this popular handheld gaming system would resemble with the introduction of the Steam Deck 2 in mind. The emphasis is on improvements like a better display, longer battery life, and a core that can outperform its rivals. Due to the incorporation of Hall Effect sensors, they anticipate that stick drift won’t occur, guaranteeing accuracy and dependability even after extended use. Premium Hall Effect sensors are a guarantee in the upcoming version for gamers who plan to invest in this console over the long run.

The form and ergonomics of the current generation Deck are carried over into the conceptual design of the handheld device from Valve. Dual trackpads have been added, which improves the entire experience, and grip buttons make handling more comfortable. The placement of the D-pad has been more carefully planned, and crucial controls like the power and volume toggle have been moved for convenience. The portable has a distinctive and appealing form with subtly curved edges and a display that protrudes slightly from the main body frame. One of the concept renderings shows the official dock with wireless charging capabilities, increasing the device’s ease and adaptability.

AMD Zen 2: Zen 2 is a microarchitecture developed by AMD for their central processing units (CPUs). It is a successor to the Zen and Zen+ architectures. Zen 2 CPUs are designed to offer improved performance, power efficiency, and higher clock speeds compared to their predecessors. The Zen 2 architecture is built on a 7nm manufacturing process, which allows for more transistors to be packed into a smaller space, resulting in better performance and power efficiency.

RDNA 2: RDNA 2 is a graphics architecture developed by AMD for their GPUs (Graphics Processing Units). It is a follow-up to the original RDNA architecture and is used in AMD’s latest graphics cards. RDNA 2 GPUs offer significant performance improvements over the previous generation, including support for real-time ray tracing, variable rate shading, and other advanced features that enhance graphical fidelity and performance in games.

APU (Accelerated Processing Unit): An APU is a type of integrated circuit that combines both CPU and GPU components on a single chip. In the case of the Steam Deck, the APU combines AMD’s Zen 2 CPU cores with RDNA 2 GPU cores in one package. This integration allows for a more compact and power-efficient design, making it suitable for a handheld gaming device like the Steam Deck.

The custom AMD Zen 2 + RDNA 2 APU used in the Steam Deck provides a powerful combination of CPU and GPU performance, enabling the device to run a wide range of PC games from the Steam platform. It offers a balance between processing power and energy efficiency, allowing gamers to enjoy a smooth gaming experience on the go without draining the battery too quickly. The inclusion of RDNA 2 graphics also means that the Steam Deck can support modern gaming features and visual effects, making it a competitive handheld gaming device in the market.