Leaked Valve VR Controllers Fuel Speculation for Next-Gen ‘Deckard’ VR Headset

Recent leaks suggest that Valve might be prepping a new VR standalone headset, following the reveal of 3D models in a SteamVR update. These leaks have reignited speculation around Valve’s long-discussed ‘Deckard’ headset, especially with hints of new motion controllers.

Tech expert Brad ‘SadlyitsBradley’ Lynch brought attention to the discovery of two fresh controllers within the latest SteamVR drivers. These include a VR motion controller codenamed ‘Roy’ and a gamepad known as ‘Ibex’. Differing from the usual VR controllers, the Roy model mirrors a classic gamepad design: featuring a directional pad on the left, four action buttons on the right, and other standard buttons like start, select, and bumper buttons.

Image fans can spot the model above as visualized using Blender, a tool for 3D computer graphics. Sadly, if you’re keen to get your hands on these files now, Valve has swiftly removed them following a hotfix to the SteamVR software.

Known for his extensive coverage of Valve’s developments, Lynch notes that each button on Roy is reportedly capacitive, likely facilitating hand-tracking techniques. He further speculates that Deckard might incorporate eye-tracking, enhancing the user interface experience.

While rivals in the VR space have stuck to designs similar to Meta’s Touch controllers since 2016, Valve has consistently bucked the trend. Their Index—or ‘Knuckles’—controllers champion hands-free interaction thanks to their unique design and touchpad capabilities, crafting a seamless UI navigation that mimics older HTC Vive inputs.

The buzz surrounding Valve’s rumored Deckard headset stretches back to early 2021 when dataminers found curious references buried in a Steam update. With potential features like wireless PC VR streaming, eye-tracking, and AR passthrough, Deckard could position itself as a strong contender against the Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro.

Adding to the intrigue, another controller model, echoing Valve’s Steam Deck handheld design, has been revealed. The Ibex, sporting dual touchpads, was teased in a render model thumbnail leaked from SteamVR drivers.

The quest to uncover Deckard’s design continues, with Valve keeping a tight lid on its existence. Given the swift redaction of these controller leaks, Valve seems cautious about further slip-ups. Whether intentional or accidental, this isn’t the first time Valve has dealt with notable leaks; the Valve Index itself was famously revealed six months before its official launch in 2019.

As always, we’ll keep a close watch on Valve in the upcoming months. With these controller models making their way into SteamVR, it might just herald another of Valve’s famously sudden product launches.