The master plan of Valve for the Steam Machines begins to take shape.

Valve is working on a series of hardware devices with SteamOS that could change the landscape of home gaming. According to the latest leaks, the company plans to launch a wireless virtual reality headset under the codename Deckard, along with other devices such as tracking controllers named Roy and a gamepad called Ibex. There are also indications that a living room console, known as Fremont, is in development.

The challenge will not be easy, as it will compete with giants like Sony, Microsoft, and Meta, which are well-established in the market. However, the success of the Steam Deck has highlighted a vulnerability in their business models: the demand for the ability to play a vast library of games anywhere and anytime. While these competitors work on how to adapt to this trend, Valve could be formulating a complete hardware ecosystem based on SteamOS that would allow PC and peripheral manufacturers to leverage the vast library of Windows games without relying on Microsoft.

Currently, many PC companies are attempting to develop competitors to the Steam Deck, but they face limitations with the Windows operating system, which does not offer the same portability or smoothness when starting, pausing, and resuming games. Generally, these devices use AMD chips, which are one of the few competitive options for gaming on Windows. Despite this, Valve has expressed its intention to open SteamOS to other manufacturers, even offering direct support to rival devices like the Asus ROG Ally and periodically updating its strategy to promote a more collaborative environment.

Valve's new branding guidelines set an explicit label for third parties to create "Powered by SteamOS" devices, defined as hardware that runs on the SteamOS operating system developed in close collaboration with Valve. Additionally, it allows companies to manufacture "Steam Compatible" hardware that includes Valve-approved controls, as well as hardware for SteamVR and Steam Link, facilitating game streaming between devices. There are rumors that the Steam Controller 2 could include features that make it suitable for VR environments, as well as a design that enables it as a gamepad for enjoying the Steam game library.

Moreover, Valve is exploring the possibility of reducing dependence on AMD's x86 chips by researching the use of Arm chips, which could offer advantages in terms of battery life and weight for a portable device. Although Valve has faced difficulties in the past, such as the lack of support from Windows game developers to port their titles to Linux, the success of the Steam Deck and the creation of a compatibility layer like Proton have made a significant difference.

If manufacturers can create their own Steam machines instead of competing directly with Windows, they could offer more appealing gaming products. The possibility of launching a standalone VR headset that operates like a Steam Deck could also capture market attention. However, it remains uncertain whether this vision will materialize. Valve is a relatively small company that is cautious in its initiatives, and some industry executives still doubt that Valve can provide the necessary support for this type of hardware. Still, the idea presents intriguing potential, more compelling now than it was twelve years ago when it was first proposed.