Steam Deck 2 only in 2028? Why Valve may delay the handheld console

The wait for the successor to the Steam Deck could be much longer than expected, frustrating those hoping for an immediate upgrade in 2026. According to leaker KeplerL2, Valve is working with an internal release window set for 2028, but that plan faces serious risks. The main culprit is the global shortage of RAM memory and NAND chips, a phenomenon caused by the explosion of artificial intelligence technologies.

This crisis, dubbed by the industry as the RAMpocalypse, happens because semiconductor makers prioritize supply for AI data centers, which pay much higher prices for components. As a result, the consumer hardware market suffers from high prices and production delays. In addition, Valve has not yet set the price of its new Steam Machine, planned for late April 2026, precisely because of this market instability.

The RAMpocalypse impact on Valve’s plans

While the delay may seem like bad news, it could bring an unexpected technical advantage. KeplerL2 suggests that, unlike the PS6 and the next Xbox, Valve does not use a fixed semi-custom chip. That is why, if the launch is pushed back, the company will have the freedom to include much more powerful specs than initially planned, taking advantage of processing technologies that have not even reached the market yet.

However, the overall scenario is alarming for Brazilian gamers’ wallets. With AI demand absorbing global production, SK Group experts warn that the chip shortage could last until 2030. This situation forces developers to focus on extreme optimization, since consumers will find it harder to upgrade hardware in the coming years. As a result, the original Steam Deck should remain Valve’s flagship product for quite a while as the company watches the artificial intelligence bubble.