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

Recent updates to SteamVR have unveiled hidden 3D models, potentially showcasing a new VR motion controller. This revelation has reignited hopes that Valve might soon introduce its long-rumored standalone VR headset, codenamed ‘Deckard.’

Tech analyst and YouTuber Brad ‘SadlyitsBradley’ Lynch recently spotlighted this leak. He discovered two new controllers embedded in SteamVR’s drivers: a VR motion controller named ‘Roy’ and a gamepad called ‘Ibex.’

Diverging from typical VR motion controllers that have two action buttons per device, the leaked Roy model resembles a more familiar gamepad layout. On the left, it features a directional pad, while the right boasts four action buttons, along with the start and select keys. Bumper buttons above each controller’s trigger complete the setup, presenting an intuitive design for traditional gaming.

The image accompanying these models, when brought into Blender, the popular 3D graphic software, provides a glimpse into this potential new addition. Yet, anyone hoping to access these files now will find that Valve has already removed them with a recent SteamVR software update.

Lynch, who has a reputation for uncovering Valve leaks, explains that the files indicated each button on Roy is likely equipped with capacitive touch to aid in creating hand skeletal models. He further speculates that Deckard might utilize eye-tracking technologies for UI input, potentially enhancing the overall VR experience.

While many VR manufacturers have adopted layouts similar to the Touch controllers introduced by Meta (formerly Oculus), Valve tends to tread its own path. The Index controllers, known for their unique ‘hands-off’ style and wrist straps, also incorporate touchpads for UI interaction, making them versatile for games initially designed for the HTC Vive wands.

The whispers about Valve’s Deckard started back in January 2021, when data miners found clues in a Steam update. They hinted at features like PC VR wireless streaming, eye-tracking, and AR capabilities. Such features could place Deckard in direct competition with devices like the Meta Quest or Apple Vision Pro.

Additionally, another leaked controller model might remind you of the control scheme seen in Valve’s handheld device, the Steam Deck, under the code name ‘Ibex.’ This render reveals classic Deck-style dual touchpads.

Amidst the anticipation, data miners are still hoping to find visuals of Deckard itself. However, Valve has skillfully kept this particular project under wraps, choosing silence over speculation. After promptly retracting the leaked controller models, Valve might exercise more caution to avoid further unintentional reveals.

Intentional or not, Valve’s hardware leaks aren’t unheard of, like the time the Valve Index’s design was exposed six months before its official release in 2019. As the gaming community eagerly watches Valve for any potential further leaks or announcements, the inclusion of these controller models might hint at an upcoming surprise release, true to Valve’s unpredictably dynamic style.