Valve rules out mid-gen refreshes for Steam Deck despite multiple model releases

Steam Deck Stance

Valve, the creator of Steam Deck, has declared that they will not engage in mid-generation refreshes, despite rolling out six different models of the handheld console.

Console Evolution

PlayStation recently announced the PS5 Pro, joining a trend of companies releasing newer console models post-original launch.

Company Perspectives

In an interview with Reviews.org, Steam Deck designer Lawrence Yang emphasized Valve's commitment to avoiding yearly updates that offer only incremental improvements, prioritizing a substantial leap in compute power without compromising battery life for the next generation of Steam Deck.

New Model Releases

Although Valve has already introduced six Steam Deck models since 2022, including versions with OLED screens and increased storage capacity, Yang's statements suggest a shift towards longer gaps between model releases.

Valve's Approach

Valve's decision to steer clear of frequent updates aligns with a desire to provide customers with significant advancements rather than minor tweaks, despite the company's history of multiple model releases within a short timeframe.

Final Thoughts

While Valve's stance on avoiding yearly updates is commendable, the company will need to demonstrate consistency in this approach moving forward to build trust with consumers.