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

Hidden within a recent SteamVR update, some intriguing 3D models have surfaced, suggesting Valve might be inching closer to launching its long-rumored standalone VR headset, Deckard. Enthusiasm is stirring in the VR community, thanks to these revelations.

Tech analyst and YouTuber Brad Lynch, known for his thorough investigations, unearthed the models. Among them are two new controllers—one is a VR motion controller, carrying the codename ‘Roy’, and the other is a gamepad, known as ‘Ibex’. Unlike the usual VR controllers that typically come with just a couple of action buttons, the Roy model seems to borrow from traditional gaming layouts. It sports a directional pad on the left, four action buttons on the right, alongside start, select, and bumper buttons, reminiscent of classic gamepads.

As you can see in the image above, these models were imported into Blender for a detailed look. However, Valve seems to have pulled these files in a hotfix, so they’re no longer available in the latest SteamVR software.

Brad Lynch, who has kept a close eye on Valve over the years, notes that the Roy controller may feature capacitive touch on every button, a potential aid in creating hand skeleton models. He speculates that Deckard might leverage eye-tracking tech for some interface interactions.

The VR sphere frequently borrows from Meta’s Touch controllers, first introduced in 2016 with the Oculus Rift. Yet, Valve often marches to its own beat. Take their Index—or ‘Knuckles’—controllers, which allow hands-free interaction thanks to their snug wrist strap, and incorporate touchpads for navigating UI and emulating older input formats, like those for HTC Vive wand controllers.

The possibility of a Valve Deckard headset has been the buzz since early 2021, when data miners found a promising mention within a Steam update. Rumors suggest this device could boast wireless PC VR streaming, eye-tracking capabilities, and passthrough AR, potentially putting it in the ring with the Meta Quest and Apple’s Vision Pro.

Another interesting find in the leak was the Ibex controller model. It shares some design concepts with Valve’s own Steam Deck handheld. Below is a leaked thumbnail from SteamVR drivers, showcasing Ibex’s characteristic dual touchpads, clearly drawing inspiration from the Steam Deck.

Those eagerly anticipating more info hope to see similar leaks relating to Deckard itself. Yet, Valve has kept a tight lid on any concrete details, and so far, they’ve remained silent on Deckard’s potential existence. Given their swift action to remove the controller models, it seems likely that they’ll be extra cautious about future leaks.

Whether intentional or accidental, leaks from Valve—and many tech companies—aren’t uncommon. A memorable instance was the Valve Index leak, which revealed the hardware’s design a good six months before its official announcement in June 2019.

As we continue monitoring Valve in the months ahead, these controller models within SteamVR software could hint at a sudden product launch. Given Valve’s history, such a surprise would not be out of character.