Valve Advances Key XR Components, Indicating ‘Deckard’ Standalone Nears Production Stage

Valve’s standalone XR headset, rumored and known by its codename ‘Deckard,’ has been intriguing tech enthusiasts ever since its mention surfaced back in 2021. Now, according to insights from tech analyst Brad Lynch, also recognized in the XR community as ‘SadlyItsBradley,’ it seems Valve is making moves to gear up for the production of this much-anticipated device.

Though Deckard remains shrouded in mystery, whispers in the tech world hint at a standalone device capable of wirelessly streaming PC VR games, potentially setting the stage for a head-to-head with the likes of Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro.

Lynch, who is renowned for his involvement with XR industry leaks, revealed that Valve has started importing machinery intended to manufacture VR headset facial interfaces within the USA. “This machinery is coming from Teleray Group, the same company that made gaskets for both the Valve Index and the HP G2 Omnicept,” Lynch shared in a post on X.

Considering Valve Index is approaching its six-year mark, it seems unlikely that Valve would be developing facial interfaces for a product that’s showing its age. This leaves us pondering about their new venture in the XR market.

Questions arise about whether Valve’s strategy to produce critical components in the U.S. aims to dodge the increased tariffs on imports from China imposed recently. Lynch’s insights further reveal that Valve might be utilizing the same U.S.-based facility that once handled production for their Lighthouse 2.0 base stations, which hasn’t been in use for almost two years now.

“There’s a possibility that they intend to leverage this facility for crafting new components while Deckard is in the market, thereby possibly avoiding some tariff hurdles, or perhaps they’re refining future HMD gasket designs closer to home,” Lynch speculated. “Though, I suspect they already have adequate small-scale R&D setups in place.”

Deckard has been swirling through the rumor mill for close to four years, with numerous leaks adding to its mysterious allure. However, Lynch’s recent findings suggest Valve is indeed ramping up towards production, indicating we might soon witness its debut.

Adding to the buzz, in November 2024, Valve inadvertently showcased new designs for a VR motion controller known as ‘Roy,’ found in a SteamVR update. This new controller seemingly pivots away from the typical VR motion setup and leans towards a classic gamepad feel, rather than the more common Touch design. If Valve runs with this configuration, it might promise a seamless integration with the Steam Deck’s control schemes.

Earlier this year, in February, ‘Gabe Follower,’ a notable leaker and data miner, suggested that Valve aims to release Deckard by late 2025, carrying a price tag of $1,200. Gabe Follower believes that Valve will sell Deckard at a financial loss, and anticipates it will operate on a VR-adapted version of SteamOS, similar to what powers the Steam Deck.