Valve says RAM crisis hasn't really changed its Steam Deck 2 plans, but hints that it could affect launch timing and I'm all for a long delay if it's necessary

Date:
Tue, 15 Sep 2026 11:24:12 +0000

Description:
Valve says that handheld will happen "when we can deliver" hinting that pricing will be key.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter IGN asked Valve if the RAM crisis would impact the Steam Deck 2 Valve engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais said "not really", but added: "It's just a matter of looking at the current conditions and seeing how and when we can deliver" This is effectively saying that the spec won't be compromised, but the release timeframe might slide Valve is sticking with its plan for the Steam Deck 2 in terms of ensuring
that the sequel will be a proper generational leap compared to the existing handheld .

IGN interviewed Valve engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais (along with Jeff Leinbaugh) and brought up the subject of whether the RAM crisis which
appears to be intensifying in an unpleasant manner as this year rolls on would affect the Steam Deck 2. When asked if the memory supply shortage had changed Valve's plans for the sequel of the Steam Deck, Griffais said "not really", adding "We've talked before about how we want to make sure there's a very delineated performance improvement for something like a future Steam Deck, and I think we're still looking at it in the same way." Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

Griffais continued: "It's just a matter of looking at the current conditions and seeing how and when we can deliver something like that. But from what we're working on, as far as the user experience goes and what the product
that we're trying to build goes, it's very similar goals."

In other words, Valve still wants to make the Steam Deck 2 a major leap in handheld performance, and the only thing that pricier components (not just system RAM, but other elements of the device) will mean is that the "when" of the delivery timing might be altered. You may like Valve clarifies that all Steam Machines have a single 16GB RAM stick Valve's Steam Deck is reportedly losing demand, due to recent price hikes All Steam Machines have 16GB RAM,
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So, I read this as essentially hinting that the release timeframe could be pushed back, but ultimately the spec of any Steam Deck sequel is not going to be messed with due to any component price rises. Analysis: value is more important than timing (Image credit: Valve) I think this is a sensible
stance. Having clearly laid out its stall from the get-go, shortly after the launch of the Steam Deck, in terms of making the sequel a considerably more powerful handheld, Valve can't go back on that really. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Well, it could, but it wouldn't be a good look, and I think this is basically what Griffais is getting at with that key "how and when we can deliver" comment. The Steam Machine being released at a less-than-ideal price hasn't done Valve's reputation any favors, and a lot of gamers have been seriously disappointed with the end result in terms of value there. I don't think that Valve can take the risk of a repeat performance with the Steam Deck 2, as that'd further erode the goodwill of gamers.

Personally, I'd prefer Valve to wait until after the RAM crisis has (mostly) blown over before introducing the Steam Deck sequel even if that means a
long delay, and the memory shortage continues for the rest of this decade (as some are predicting). I'd rather have a performant handheld with a palatable price tag and wait however long that may take than something that's expensive arriving sooner.

It sounds like Valve is very much thinking along those same lines, perhaps
not surprisingly given that RAM-driven price hikes have reportedly had quite
a negative impact on Steam Deck sales in recent times . Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. The best laptops for all budgets Our top picks, based on real-world testing and comparisons

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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/gaming/steam-deck/valve-says-ram-crisis-hasnt-really -changed-its-steam-deck-2-plans-but-hints-that-it-could-affect-launch-timing-a nd-im-all-for-a-long-delay-if-its-necessary


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