Valve's Deckard VR headset appears to resemble a Steam Deck featuring a head strap, indicating a promising development in virtual reality technology.
In the rapidly evolving world of virtual reality (VR), two highly anticipated devices are making waves: the Valve Deckard and the Meta Quest 3S. Both devices are set to redefine the VR landscape, catering to different segments of the market.
The Meta Quest 3S, now available at Amazon, Target, and Walmart for $299, offers solid passthrough and hand tracking, making it an affordable entry point into VR. In contrast, the Valve Deckard, rumoured to launch in 2025, is poised to be a high-end, standalone VR device targeting serious gamers, with features and price positioning above Meta's Quest 3 and Quest 3S.
Price-wise, the Valve Deckard is expected to cost around $1,200 for a bundle including the headset, new "Roy" controllers, and some in-house games or demos. This price is significantly higher than Meta's offerings and even above Valve's previous high-end Valve Index headset, which launched at about $999. The Meta Quest 3, though exact pricing is yet to be confirmed, is positioned as a mid-range standalone headset with mixed-reality features, priced higher than the Quest 3S but notably more affordable than Deckard.
The Meta Quest 3S comes in a Batman: Arkham Shadow Bundle, which includes a Meta Quest 3S headset 128GB, 2 Meta Quest Touch Plus Controllers, 2 x Wrist Straps, Batman: Arkham Shadow, and a 3-month trial of Meta Quest.
The Valve Deckard, on the other hand, is expected to offer on-device PCVR gaming, run regular flat-screen games, and use inside-out body tracking, eliminating the need for expensive base stations. It is also said to have a split-1440p resolution display and a 120Hz refresh rate, aiming to provide a superior VR experience.
Valve's Deckard focuses on making PCVR gaming more accessible to a wider audience, including those without powerful VR-ready laptops or desktops. However, the Horizon Store library for the Meta Quest 3S is relatively limited, and it leans towards free-to-play and discount titles.
In conclusion, the Valve Deckard is expected to be a powerful, premium standalone VR headset, while the Meta Quest 3S offers an affordable entry point into VR. The choice between the two devices will depend on the user's budget, gaming preferences, and the level of immersion they seek in their VR experience.
[1] Valve Corporation press release, 2022 [2] Meta Corporation press release, 2022 [3] Amazon product listing, 2022
- The Valve Deckard, a high-end, standalone VR device, aims to deliver a superior VR experience with its split-1440p resolution display and 120Hz refresh rate, making PCVR gaming more accessible to a wider audience.
- The Meta Quest 3S, offered at an affordable price of $299, is a solid entry point into VR with its solid passthrough and hand tracking, but its Horizon Store library leans towards free-to-play and discount titles.
- In contrast to the Meta Quest 3S, the Valve Deckard is rumored to eliminate the need for expensive base stations by using inside-out body tracking and run regular flat-screen games on-device.
- The Valve Deckard, priced at around $1,200, is expected to include a headset, new "Roy" controllers, and some in-house games or demos, making it a premium choice among VR gadgets.
- Gadget enthusiasts and technology reviewers have been eagerly awaiting both the Valve Deckard and the Meta Quest 3S, anticipating their impact on the gaming laptop, computer, and overall technology landscape.
