A new Steam console could be in development at Valve, according to recent leaks. The rumor comes from Spanish leaker extas1s, who shared information from HandleDeck.com’s owner.
The leak suggests that Valve is working on drivers for AMD’s upcoming RDNA 4-based Radeon RX 9070 graphics cards, which are set to launch next month.
Is Valve Making a New Console?
The leak claims that Valve is putting significant effort into supporting the Radeon RX 9070, raising speculation about a new SteamOS-based console.
While the RX 9070 is currently designed for desktops, Valve’s involvement suggests they could be considering it for a new gaming system or external GPU support.
The codename for the rumored device is “Fremont”, but its actual name remains unknown. Some believe Valve could be working on a desktop gaming console, similar to the Steam Machines from nearly a decade ago.
Others speculate that the GPU support could be for third-party SteamOS devices rather than a console from Valve itself.
A Steam Machine Comeback?
Valve’s first attempt at a Steam console, the Steam Machine, failed to gain traction. However, since then, the company has seen success with hardware like the Valve Index VR headset and the Steam Deck.
If a new Steam console is in development, it could aim to provide a PC-like gaming experience for the living room, competing with gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox.
Potential Challenges
One issue with this rumor is the cost of the Radeon RX 9070 GPU. If Valve were to use this hardware in a console, it could result in a high price tag, making it a premium product rather than a mass-market device.
Another possibility is that Valve is developing drivers for AMD’s GPU to support third-party manufacturers or future Steam Deck upgrades.
What’s Next?
Valve has not confirmed any plans for a new Steam console. However, the company’s interest in RDNA 4 technology suggests that something big could be in the works. Whether this turns into a full-fledged Steam gaming console or improved SteamOS support, only time will tell.
Would you be interested in another Steam console from Valve? Let us know your thoughts!