Valve may be working on an updated version of its PCVR headset, the Steam Deck, that features OLED optics. References to a headset codenamed 'Plano' with OLED displays have been found within the Steam Deck's kernel source code, according to a report from SteamFrameHub.
While Valve has not officially commented on the matter, the datamined information suggests that this potential 'Plano' headset would retain much of the existing Steam Deck's specifications but would incorporate OLED panels. These new panels would offer a per-eye resolution of 3,552x3,840, a significant upgrade from the current Steam Deck's 2,160x2,160 pancake lenses.
Such an upgrade to higher-resolution OLED displays could substantially improve the visual fidelity for PCVR experiences. However, SteamFrameHub notes that the leaked specifications align with the lenses used in the Samsung Galaxy XR headset, which launched at a price point of approximately $1,799. Given the ongoing RAM crisis that has affected hardware production and pricing, a Steam Deck with these enhanced optics would likely carry a higher cost than the current model.
The Steam Deck, intended to usher in a new era of accessible PC hardware powered by SteamOS, has seen its impact somewhat diminished by supply chain issues. Despite these challenges, both the Steam Deck and the Steam Machine remain sold out at present.
Given that Valve is still working to fulfill existing orders and waitlists for the Steam Deck, any potential release of an OLED version would likely be some time away. The company's future hardware plans also hinge on factors such as the availability of suitable chipsets for a potential Steam Deck 2.