Valve has quietly dropped a bombshell for gaming enthusiasts, embedding experimental ARM64 architecture support in the latest SteamOS Runtime update—a move that has reignited speculation about the long-rumored Deckard, the company’s standalone VR headset. The update, spotted in a SteamRT GitLab commit, hints at a strategic shift in Valve’s hardware ambitions, potentially paving the way for devices powered by energy-efficient ARM processors instead of traditional x86 chips.
What’s New in the SteamOS Runtime?
The Steam Runtime, a critical layer that ensures game compatibility across Valve’s ecosystem, now includes an experimental ARM64 branch. This allows developers to test games on ARM-based systems, marking Valve’s first major step toward supporting non-x86 architectures. While the Steam Deck currently runs on an AMD APU (x86), ARM’s dominance in mobile and low-power devices makes it a logical candidate for future hardware—especially for a portable VR headset like the Deckard.
As noted by industry watcher Bradley on X/Twitter, the timing aligns with growing evidence of Valve’s VR plans. “This isn’t just about the Steam Deck 2,” Bradley wrote. “ARM support could be the missing link for a standalone, wireless Deckard headset.”
Why ARM Matters for Valve’s Hardware
ARM processors, known for their power efficiency, are ubiquitous in smartphones and tablets. For a VR headset, which demands high performance without overheating or draining batteries quickly, ARM offers a compelling solution. Transitioning to ARM could allow Valve to design a sleeker, longer-lasting device capable of running SteamVR games natively or streaming them from a PC.
The GitLab commit reveals Valve is testing compatibility layers like Proton—the tool that lets Windows games run on Linux—for ARM. This suggests a focus on ensuring existing Steam libraries remain playable even if future hardware abandons x86. “Valve’s playing the long game,” said a developer familiar with the update. “They’re future-proofing SteamOS so it can scale across multiple form factors.”
Deckard: Valve’s Open Secret
Rumors about Deckard have swirled since 2021, with leaked patents pointing to a wireless headset featuring inside-out tracking, eye-tracing, and standalone processing. Valve has yet to confirm its existence, but the SteamOS ARM update adds credence to theories that Deckard could launch sooner than expected.
A shift to ARM would also differentiate Deckard from the PC-tethered Valve Index, positioning it as a direct competitor to Meta’s Quest series. Unlike Meta’s Android-based OS, SteamOS on ARM could offer deeper integration with SteamVR and Proton, enabling access to a vast library of PC games via cloud streaming or local emulation.
Challenges and Industry Trends
Transitioning architectures isn’t without hurdles. While Proton mitigates compatibility issues, ARM-native games would still require developer support. However, Valve’s influence—bolstered by the Steam Deck’s success—might incentivize studios to optimize for ARM.
Valve’s move mirrors broader industry trends. Microsoft continues pushing Windows on ARM, and Apple’s M-series chips have proven ARM’s potential in high-performance computing. “Valve isn’t just following trends—they’re hedging their bets,” said a tech analyst. “If x86 plateforms stagnate, they’ll have an exit strategy.”
What’s Next?
While Valve remains tight-lipped, the SteamOS update has energized the gaming community. Reddit threads and Discord channels are buzzing with speculation, with some users jokingly dubbing Deckard the “Steam Deck 2.0 VR Edition.”
For now, all eyes are on Valve’s next move. If Deckard is indeed on the horizon, its success may hinge on this quiet, experimental code—and whether Valve can turn ARM’s promise into a VR revolution.
Header image source: Valve Corporation
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