Valve Dismisses RDNA4 Steam Console Rumors, Highlights Routine Hardware Testing

A recent update from GamingOnLinux quashed the buzz around a possible new Steam Console, citing it as mere speculation. Valve developer Pierre-Loup Griffais stepped in on BlueSky to officially set the record straight, confirming that while Valve is working on new software for the upcoming AMD RDNA 4 GPU architecture, it doesn’t signal a return to the Steam Machine concept. This kind of work is consistent with what they’ve been doing since the days of AMD’s Vega architecture. So, while the tech world buzzes with development, don’t expect a new Steam Console to hit the market just yet.

Is this the end of our hopes for a new Steam Console? At least for now, it seems so. But it opens up a discussion about Valve’s hardware adventures, including the potential for a return of the Steam Machine or exciting developments with the Steam Deck 2.

When it comes to Valve’s hardware strategy, the rumors about RDNA 4 enabling a brand-new Steam console were never entirely credible. Consoles, even the Steam Deck, are often rooted in hardware from a previous generation. By the time a new console launches, its tech usually lags behind the latest GPUs and CPUs because bringing such platforms to market requires meticulous planning.

For example, the Steam Deck, which launched in 2022, utilized AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture that debuted in November 2020, creating a gap of over a year and a half from its conception to release. This timeline and the extensive resources needed make it unlikely for Valve to integrate RDNA 4 into a new handheld anytime soon.

Currently, iGPUs using AMD’s RDNA 3 and 3.5 offer top-tier performance for integrated graphics, yet power-efficient improvements, especially for battery-dependent devices, remain elusive. Recently, we’ve seen the introduction of Ryzen AI HX 300 Series APUs with RDNA 3.5 iGPUs, but the evolution is slow.

Moreover, Valve isn’t rushing into a new console, given that the Steam Deck 2 is at least two to three years away. Valve is holding out for a substantial leap in hardware before committing to a new release. The company is unlikely to introduce three separate SteamOS platforms within just under seven years.

While RDNA 4 is indeed captivating, its power consumption, performance metrics, and cost are still unclear. Transforming this tech into a suitable handheld form will take time.

Looking ahead into the console world, it’s fun to imagine what’s next while acknowledging the current hardware trends. Last year, notable leaks revealed new Valve designs for an updated Steam Controller and next-gen VR controllers, fueling rumors of a potential revival of the Steam Machine or a new direction with the Steam Link.

Could these developments hint at a new Steam Console? Possibly, once Steam OS 3 becomes more widespread, encouraging manufacturers to utilize it in mini PCs, laptops, and handhelds, allowing features like real-time ray-tracing to shine. However, tackling full ray tracing remains challenging considering the power limits of current hardware.

For a genuine step forward in handheld performance, Valve needs more than just RDNA 4’s RT improvements. They require a GPU that can deliver high-quality results at a lower power draw, around 25W or even 15W TDP, something RDNA 4 doesn’t yet support.

While this might seem a stretch, there’s potential to achieve it with improvements in efficiency-focused process nodes, such as moving from TSMC’s older N7 node, used in the Steam Deck’s Van Gogh APU, to more current N5 or N4 nodes. Eventually, the availability of N3 and N2 nodes might offer the efficiency needed, paving the way for powerful yet pocket-friendly tech.

Is a dedicated Steam Console really necessary, though? With a compatible docking station, the Steam Deck already offers a superior console experience compared to the Nintendo Switch. As Nintendo moves away from traditional consoles, Valve might also see more promise in creating versatile, hybrid hardware that complements rather than competes directly with today’s mainstream consoles and gaming PCs.