Valve could be working on a new Steam console

Valve might be reviving its console ambitions. A recent report from HandleDeck.com suggests that the company is working on drivers for the RDNA4-based AMD Radeon RX 9070 graphics cards. This is particularly intriguing because the RDNA4 architecture is currently designed for desktop GPUs. If Valve is developing drivers for these high-end GPUs, it could hint at plans for a new Steam gaming console, a potential spiritual successor to Valve’s failed Steam Machine ambitions.

Valve has seen immense success with the Steam Deck. This proves that there is a strong market for portable, PC-based gaming devices. The positive reception of the Steam Deck might have encouraged Valve to take another stab at a home console.

According to the report, Valve is working on desktop consoles that are branded with the SteamOS license. Also, by working on the drivers for the RX 9070, it suggests that this could be the main GPU for the rumored console. However, before you get too excited, the report offers an alternate possibility. These drivers could be used to help support an external GPU for the Steam Deck 2, so that’s something to think about.

For those unfamiliar, nearly a decade ago, Valve made an ambitious attempt to break into the home console market. This resulted in the Steam Machines. These consoles were meant to provide an alternative way for players to enjoy games from their Steam libraries. It was also Valve’s way of trying to disrupt Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo’s hold in the console market. However, the concept failed to take off, and Valve discontinued the consoles back in 2018.

The post Valve could be working on a new Steam console appeared first on Phandroid.