Leaked Valve VR Controllers Spark Renewed Excitement for Next-Gen ‘Deckard’ Headset

Recently discovered 3D models hidden within a SteamVR update have unveiled what looks like a new VR motion controller, fueling excitement that Valve may soon release their much-anticipated standalone VR headset, rumored to be called ‘Deckard.’

Tech analyst and YouTuber Brad ‘SadlyitsBradley’ Lynch highlighted the discovery of two new controllers within the latest SteamVR drivers. These include a VR motion controller, codenamed ‘Roy’, and a gamepad, ‘Ibex’. Unlike typical VR motion controllers, which usually have two action buttons each, ‘Roy’ offers a layout more akin to traditional gamepads. It boasts a directional pad on the left, four action buttons on the right, start and select buttons, and bumper buttons sitting above each trigger.

Such a setup could enhance out-of-the-box support for games that traditionally use gamepads, strategically positioning Deckard to tap into Steam’s extensive library of flatscreen titles as well as standard VR games.

The image above presents the models when brought into Blender, a 3D computer graphics software suite. However, if you’re hoping to find the files yourself, Valve has already removed them with a recent SteamVR hotfix.

Lynch, who has previously covered numerous Valve leaks, stated that the files indicated all buttons on Roy are equipped with capacitive touch, likely to assist with hand skeleton creation. He also speculates that some user interface input might rely on Deckard’s rumored eye-tracking abilities.

Since the Oculus Rift’s original controllers debuted in 2016, many VR headset manufacturers have embraced similar designs. However, Valve isn’t known for following the crowd. Their Index—or ‘Knuckles’—controllers offer ‘hands-off’ interactions thanks to snug wrist straps and feature small touchpads that facilitate UI navigation and emulate inputs for older HTC Vive wand controllers.

The buzz around Valve Deckard started back in January 2021 when data miners spotted a reference to the standalone VR device in a Steam update. Speculation suggests Deckard might support wireless PC VR streaming, eye-tracking, and passthrough AR capabilities, potentially putting it in competition with the likes of Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro.

A separate controller model from the leaks seems to mimic the control setup of Valve’s Steam Deck handheld, known as Ibex. A render model of this was also found among the SteamVR drivers, showcasing Ibex’s prominent Deck-style dual touchpads.

Data miners eagerly anticipate models of Deckard itself, although it remains closely guarded, with Valve yet to publicly acknowledge its existence. Given Valve’s quick action in removing the leaked controller models, they may tread cautiously with future potential software leaks.

Whether intentional or not, leaks occur with both software and supply chains. Notably, Valve Index’s exterior was leaked six months before its official June 2019 reveal. We’ll keep a close watch on Valve developments as these controller models in SteamVR might just suggest another surprising release—true to Valve’s often unpredictable nature.