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Steam Deck 2 Allegedly Targetting 2028 Release Window

According to prominent insider KeplerL2 on NeoGAF, Valve is targeting a 2028 release window for the Steam Deck 2. However, they also claim that ongoing memory shortages could delay this timeline. “They were targeting 2028 [as far as I know], but the whole RAM/NAND situation could delay it,” wrote KeplerL2. “Also, since they don’t have a semi-custom SoC, unlike the PS6/Xbox, if it gets delayed, it could end up with better specs.”

According to Valve at the Game Developers Conference 2026, the Steam Machine will be able to easily run all Steam Deck Verified games. Additionally, for games to be verified on the upcoming platform, they must run at 1080p and 30 FPS, the same standard used for the Steam Deck. This means that while the device will be able to run games at higher settings, titles must reach at least 1080p at 30 FPS to qualify. However, for the Steam Frame, VR games running on its native chip must meet a 90 FPS requirement, while 2D titles only need to run at 30 FPS at 720p. An offline mode for games at launch was also teased, optimizing titles for lower performing devices, and improving controller support.

Valve recently stated in its Steam Year in Review article that it is uncertain when the Steam Machine will launch, as ongoing RAM shortages continue to complicate plans. “We hope to ship in 2026, but as we shared recently, memory and storage shortages have created challenges for us,” reads the message. “We’ll share updates publicly when we finalize our plans!” This could mean that the console may see a delay.

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Abdul Saad

Abdul Saad is a seasoned entertainment journalist and critic and has been writing for five years on multiple gaming sites. When he isn't writing or playing the latest JRPG, he can be found coding games of his own or tinkering with something electrical.