Steam Deck 2 swaps semi-custom APU for off-the-shelf AMD, targeting 2028

Steam Deck 2 may use an off-the-shelf AMD APU in 2028, with TDP adjustment and without relying on semi-custom silicon; understand what changes.

New positioning for the Steam Deck 2

Valve plans to launch the Steam Deck 2 in 2028, with relevant production changes. According to a well-known industry leaker, KeplerL2, posted on the NeoGAF forum, Valve is aiming for an update for the second generation of the handheld.

Current supply chain pressures, especially from DRAM and NAND Flash, could impact the timeline, opening the possibility of delays. On the other hand, this period also promises an improvement in availability, depending on Valve's procurement capacity.

Strategic shift: from semi-custom to off-the-shelf

One of the most significant changes is the computational base. Instead of relying on a semi-custom APU from AMD, the Deck 2 is expected to use an off-the-shelf APU that does not require specific tuning by AMD to meet Valve's needs. This approach avoids bottlenecks in silicon and memory module stock, which can leave hardware outdated compared to the market.

Currently, the Steam Deck uses a 6 nm AMD APU with four Zen 2 cores, eight threads, running between 2.4 and 3.5 GHz, and eight RDNA 2 units at 1.6 GHz. In 2022, this configuration was pointed out as a success factor for the device.

Why this could be a game changer

By forgoing a semi-custom solution, the Deck 2 could use the best option available at the time of shipping and adapt SteamOS to it, avoiding dependence on silicon adjustments that raise costs or compromise performance.

• AMD offers APUs with configurable TDP, allowing the power envelope to be adjusted for the Steam Deck.
• Speculations indicate the possibility of an SoC with Zen 6 cores and an RDNA 5 GPU, maintaining the idea of optimization via software.

The scenario is also influenced by the entry of OEMs like Lenovo, ASUS, and MSI into the portable console market, increasing competition and pressure for flexible hardware. The strategy of using off-the-shelf components could keep the Deck 2 more adaptable to availability changes.

Impact on the future

If confirmed, this strategic shift could accelerate the arrival of the device or, at the very least, mitigate silicon supply impacts. Still without an official announcement, the information suggests a 2028 launch window.

What do you think of this strategy change? Leave your opinion in the comments about the Steam Deck 2 with an off-the-shelf APU and its 2028 launch.

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