Valve Develops Essential XR Components, Indicating ‘Deckard’ Standalone Progressing Toward Production

Since whispers started circulating in 2021, Valve’s elusive standalone XR headset, known under the code name ‘Deckard,’ has been fueling plenty of curiosity. Recently, some insights from Brad Lynch (also recognized as ‘SadlyItsBradley’), a well-known tech analyst and VR enthusiast, suggest Valve is set to begin production of this much-anticipated gadget.

Details about Deckard remain under wraps, but it’s believed to be a standalone headset capable of wirelessly streaming PC VR games, potentially challenging the likes of Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro in the market.

Brad Lynch, who’s often in the loop on XR scoops, claims that Valve is currently importing equipment specifically for crafting VR headset facial interfaces right in the United States. “This equipment comes via Teleray Group, the same company behind the gaskets for the Valve Index and the HP G2 Omnicept,” Lynch mentioned in a post on X.

Considering the Valve Index has been around for nearly six years, it seems improbable that Valve is designing new facial interfaces for their older PC VR headset. This leaves Deckard as the prime candidate for their next big venture in the XR space.

While it’s uncertain if Valve’s choice to manufacture in the US aims to sidestep the increased tariffs on Chinese goods imposed recently during Trump’s presidency, Lynch has reported that Valve is utilizing a previously dormant US-based facility. This facility previously churned out Lighthouse 2.0 base stations until it was shuttered about two years ago.

Lynch speculates, “Perhaps they planned to keep using this facility for manufacturing new components for Deckard, aiming to dodge some tariff issues, or maybe for prototyping future HMD gasket designs close to Valve’s home base. I’m doubtful on the latter since they likely have small-scale R&D equipment available for many years now.”

For almost four years, Deckard has been surrounded by a swirl of rumors and leaks. Yet, these latest reports hint at Valve moving towards actual production, suggesting we’re inching closer to Deckard’s grand reveal.

In November 2024, a SteamVR update unveiled some leaked 3D models of a new VR motion controller, bearing the code name ‘Roy’. Unlike typical VR motion controllers, ‘Roy’ sports a classic gamepad-style button layout, diverging from the widely familiar Touch format. If Valve sticks with this design, it may mean Deckard could provide a gaming experience that echoes the Steam Deck.

Early this year, prominent leaker and data miner ‘Gabe Follower’ hinted at Deckard hitting the market by the end of 2025 for a price tag of $1,200. According to Gabe Follower, this price would see Deckard sold at a loss, with the headset powered by an adaptation of SteamOS, similar to what’s used in the Steam Deck, but tailored for VR use.