Valve Debunks RDNA4 Steam Console Rumors, Clarifies Routine Hardware Testing Practices

Recently, the chatter about a forthcoming Steam Console has been addressed and laid to rest. Valve’s developer Pierre-Loup Griffais took to BlueSky to clarify the situation after GamingOnLinux highlighted the excitement. Griffais noted that Valve’s current work on pre-release Mesa Vulkan for AMD’s RDNA 4 architecture is simply a continuation of their usual process, similar to what they did with AMD’s Vega architecture. While Valve is indeed gearing up for new GPU architecture, it’s not an indication that they’re reviving the Steam Machine concept anytime soon.

So, those hoping for a new Steam Console might be disappointed, at least for now. However, let’s take a moment to explore Valve’s adventure into the "console" market and the potential paths it might take, whether in the form of a revamped Steam Machine or possibly a future Steam Deck 2.

What We Know About Valve’s Hardware Plans

The expectation for a forthcoming Steam console didn’t really hinge on the development of some latest GPU architecture like AMD’s RDNA 4. Consoles, including the Steam Deck, typically launch with custom hardware that’s a step or two behind the cutting edge. By the release time, both GPU and CPU technologies often lag a generation behind because launching a console platform demands considerable foresight and planning.

When the Steam Deck hit the market in 2022, it was built on AMD’s RDNA 2, introduced in November 2020. This timeline placed the Steam Deck about one and a half years behind its original GPU architecture, and 2.5 years with its Zen 2 CPU architecture. RDNA 4 is still primarily a desktop affair, requiring significant effort and resources to adapt into a feasible handheld APU.

At present, leading integrated graphics solutions utilize AMD’s RDNA 3 and RDNA 3.5 architectures, yet the performance leap for battery-powered scenarios hasn’t been significant. While these platforms perform admirably when plugged in, battery constraints remain a significant limitation. It’s only recently that we’ve seen Ryzen AI HX 300 Series APUs with RDNA 3.5 integrated graphics coming to market.

Another key piece of evidence suggesting a Steam Console isn’t at the top of Valve’s list is that the next iteration of the Steam Deck isn’t expected for another two to three years. Valve is opting to wait for more pronounced advancements in hardware capabilities. RDNA 4 integrated graphics might be a candidate for a future Steam Deck 2, but such a launch isn’t happening any time soon. It seems ambitious for Valve to plan three separate SteamOS platforms within nearly seven years.

As intriguing as RDNA 4 might appear, there are unknowns—like its power consumption, performance capabilities, and cost—that mean a handheld version is still a ways off.

Peering Into the Future With Our Crystal Ball

Now, let’s dive into the realm of speculation, grounded by what we already know about PC hardware and its influence on the handheld console market.

Towards the end of last year, some real leaks surfaced about new Valve designs, including a fresh Steam Controller with features reminiscent of the Steam Deck and new VR controllers. The evolution of the Steam Controller might suggest a revisit of the Steam Link or the Steam Machine initiative. However, it could equally be aimed at better integrating Steam Deck handheld and Dock functionality, particularly for avid users of Steam Input’s unique features like touch-sensitive gyro control.

Does this rule out the possibility of a Steam Console completely? Not necessarily. Should SteamOS 3 achieve broader distribution, more manufacturers might embrace it for mini-PCs, laptops, and handhelds. A larger hardware setup could allow for more advanced features, such as real-time ray tracing, which is challenging on the current Deck hardware given its older components and stringent power limits.

For a genuine leap forward in handheld performance, Valve needs a GPU architecture from AMD that can deliver adequate RT performance within a 25W TDP (like competitors ROG Ally or Legion Go) or 15W (Steam Deck). Full RDNA 4 mobile GPUs, expected to range between 80-175W TDP, indicate AMD isn’t quite there yet. Yet, considering RDNA 4 will utilize TSMC’s N4 process node, improvements are feasible. The Steam Deck’s Van Gogh APU is on TSMC’s older N7 node, so moving to a more modern node like N5 or N4 could make a significant impact. By the time N3 and N2 nodes become more prevalent, a reduced node size optimized for efficiency could yield the perfect chip for a future handheld, assuming costs don’t spiral.

But is a standalone Steam Console even necessary? With a compatible docking station, a Steam Deck transforms into a more powerful home console than Nintendo’s Switch. Since Nintendo has moved away from traditional home consoles, perhaps Valve sees more potential in a hybrid-handheld approach that doesn’t compete head-on with mainstream consoles and gaming PCs.