Valve’s Next VR Headset, Deckard, May Have Commenced Production

Valuable Insights into Valve’s Next Virtual Reality Headset

According to a recent statement from the XR Research Institute, a Chinese analyst group, the highly anticipated Valve Virtual Reality headset has reportedly entered production and is scheduled for release within this year. They estimate an initial production order ranging from 400, 000 to 600, 000 units during the first year of sales.

Confirmed Reports and Exciting Developments

This development was initially highlighted by UploadVR and supported by industry leakers Tyler McVicker and Brad Lynch, known on social media as SadlyItsBradley. Lynch has also tweeted about the emergence of two VR headset models, identified as Deckard DV1 and Deckard DV2, within the latest SteamVR beta update. In Valve’s terminology, DV signifies devices that are close to being finalized before they reach retail, which are termed as ‘PV’ units.

Potential Release and Pricing Insights

This revelation indicates the possibility of two headset variants being introduced, raising speculation about the accompanying features and versions. The earlier conjecture suggesting that Valve’s second Virtual Reality headset, named Deckard, would debut towards the end of 2025 now appears more plausible. Early rumors indicated a potential price point of $1, 200, though this figure remains unverified by other insiders at this time.

Valve’s Continued Commitment to Virtual Reality

The forthcoming Deckard will mark Valve’s second foray into the Virtual Reality space, following the release of the Valve Index in June 2019, which initially retails for $999. The Index gained attention for bundling a complimentary copy of Half-Life: Alyx, a major title that continued the storied franchise in a prequel format. Despite the acclaim of Half-Life: Alyx as a benchmark in AAA Virtual Reality gaming, its success in driving sales for the Index was limited. Recent data from the Steam Hardware & Software Survey revealed that as of January 2025, only 13.2% of VR headsets connected to the Steam platform were Valve Index devices.

What’s Next for Valve?

With anticipation growing, the key question remains: has Valve developed a new game to enhance the allure of the upcoming Deckard VR headset? Brad Lynch suggests that an official announcement could be imminent, potentially arriving in the next couple of months, either this month or next.

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