Leaked Valve VR Controllers Spark Renewed Optimism for Next-Gen ‘Deckard’ Headset

A recent SteamVR update has unveiled what appears to be new VR motion controllers within its 3D models, reigniting speculation about Valve potentially launching its much-talked-about ‘Deckard’ VR standalone headset.

Tech analyst and YouTuber, Brad ‘SadlyitsBradley’ Lynch, was the first to report this intriguing discovery. Nestled within the latest SteamVR drivers were hints of two fresh controllers: a VR motion controller, codenamed ‘Roy,’ and a gamepad, dubbed ‘Ibex.’

A departure from the norm, the Roy model doesn’t stick to the regular VR motion controller template. Instead, it embraces a more gamer’s dream—featuring a directional pad on the left, four action buttons on the right, as well as start, select, and bumper buttons on top, offering a gamepad-like layout. This change could open up seamless compatibility with a multitude of traditional gamepad titles, tapping into Steam’s vast library of flat-screen games, alongside the standard VR roster.

In the Blender software, these models spring to life, their appearance giving a sneak peek at what might be. But don’t rush to download these files—Valve has promptly scrubbed them from the latest SteamVR hotfix. Lynch, who is no stranger to unveiling Valve’s secrets, suggests that every button on the Roy controller is likely touch-sensitive, aiding in crafting hand skeletons for virtual use. He also anticipates that certain user interface inputs might harness Deckard’s rumored eye-tracking feature.

The VR sphere isn’t unfamiliar with such design, as many have mirrored Meta’s Touch controllers since their debut with the Oculus Rift in 2016. However, Valve has often blazed its own trail. Its Index controllers, or ‘Knuckles,’ are known for their innovative ‘hands-off’ interactions, courtesy of a snug wrist strap, and small touchpads assisting in navigating user interfaces.

Rumors about the Valve Deckard have swirled ever since data miners unearthed a reference to it in a Steam update back in January 2021. Whispers suggest that the headset might support wireless PC VR streaming, potentially rivaling Meta’s Quest lineup or Apple’s Vision Pro. Another leaked controller model, the Ibex, bears a resemblance to Valve’s Steam Deck handheld, boasting dual touchpads similar to the Deck’s design, as evidenced by driver renders.

Despite the excitement surrounding these controllers, the Deckard headset itself remains a mystery. Valve has kept its cards close to its chest, not commenting on any potential product. Given how swiftly It removed the leaked controller models, Valve might become even more cautious about software leaks moving forward.

Intentional or not, leaks are a common occurrence within both the software and supply chain realms. The Valve Index was similarly glimpsed months before its official debut in June 2019. As we look ahead, we’ll be watching Valve closely; these recent controller leaks could be a prelude to another surprise release, something the company is notoriously known for.