Valve’s upcoming Deckard VR headset
Valve is reportedly developing a new standalone VR headset, codenamed "Deckard," with plans to release it by the end of 2025, costing $1,200 (estimated).
While Valve has not officially confirmed these details, the increase in leaks suggest it is preparing for launch. Here’s everything we know so far.
Operating System
The headset is rumored to run a modified version of SteamOS, similar to that of the Steam Deck, enabling users to play PCVR content in a virtual big-screen mode without the need for a PC.
Visuals
The Valve Deckard is said to aim for high-end visual fidelity, potentially featuring a 1440p resolution per eye and refresh rates up to 120Hz. These specifications suggest a significant step up from the Valve Index, which operates at 1440x1600 per eye and a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz.
Display Technology & Clarity
Leaks suggest the Deckard may use micro-OLED or LCD panels with high pixel density, minimizing the screen-door effect that plagued earlier VR headsets. If Valve integrates aspherical or pancake lenses, it could result in sharper images, wider fields of view, and reduced edge distortion compared to traditional Fresnel lenses.
HDR & Contrast
If micro-OLED is used, the Deckard could deliver deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and better HDR performance than LCD-based headsets. This would enhance immersion, particularly in darker game environments.
Standalone Performance vs. PCVR
Running games at 1440p per eye at 120Hz on a standalone chipset presents challenges. Valve may use dynamic foveated rendering (where eye tracking reduces resolution in peripheral vision) to boost performance. However, for the best experience, users will likely need PCVR streaming via a high-bandwidth wireless connection or DisplayPort over USB-C.
How the Valve Deckard Compares to Competitors
The Valve Deckard is shaping up to be a high-end standalone and PCVR hybrid, placing it between the Meta Quest 3, Apple Vision Pro, and high-performance tethered headsets like the Pimax Crystal. Let’s break down how its visual fidelity and GPU requirements stack up against the competition.
| Headset | Resolution (Per Eye) | Display Type | Refresh Rate | Lens Type |
| Valve Deckard (Rumored) | 1440p+ | Micro-OLED/LCD | 120Hz | Pancake/Aspherical |
| Meta Quest 3 | 2064 × 2208 | LCD | 120Hz (experimental) | Pancake |
| Apple Vision Pro | 3660 × 3200 | Micro-OLED | 90Hz | Pancake |
| Valve Index | 1440 × 1600 | LCD | 144Hz | Fresnel |
| Bigscreen Beyond | 2560 × 2560 | Micro-OLED | 75-90Hz | Pancake |
| Pimax Crystal | 2880 × 2880 | QLED + Mini LED | 120Hz | Aspherical |
- The Deckard’s resolution will likely fall between the Quest 3 and the Apple Vision Pro, focusing on high refresh rates and optimal PCVR streaming.
- If Micro-OLED is confirmed, it will have deeper blacks and better HDR performance than the Quest 3, competing with the Apple Vision Pro.
- Foveated rendering, if included, could push high frame rates without overwhelming the hardware.
DeoVR on the Deckard
DeoVR via the VR headset browser will work perfectly and we will monitor carefully so the DeoVR app works perfectly out-of-the-box. Keep checking back for the latest updates.
