A recent update to SteamVR has caused quite a stir in the gaming world, hinting at the possible debut of Valve’s long-awaited ‘Deckard’ standalone VR headset. The buzz comes after the discovery of hidden 3D models, suggesting a new VR motion controller might be on the horizon.
Brad ‘SadlyitsBradley’ Lynch, a well-known tech analyst and YouTuber, uncovered two intriguing controller models in the latest SteamVR drivers. One is a VR motion controller dubbed ‘Roy’, and the other a gamepad code-named ‘Ibex’.
This Roy controller steers away from the usual VR controller setup, opting instead for a classic gamepad configuration. Think of it as having all the essentials: on the left, you’ve got a directional pad; on the right, four action buttons. Plus, there are start and select buttons alongside bumper buttons above each trigger. This layout would likely make it easier to dive into games traditionally controlled with gamepads, potentially leveraging the vast library of games available on Steam.
In the image shared above, you can see how these models appear when imported into Blender, the 3D design program. Unfortunately for those interested in exploring these files, Valve has since removed them in a recent software update.
Lynch, who has a record of dissecting Valve leaks, noted that each button on the Roy controller seems to support capacitive touch, which could enhance hand tracking. He also theorized that this feature would play a part in Deckard’s rumored eye-tracking technology.
Most VR headset makers have followed in Meta’s footsteps, using layouts akin to the Touch Pro controllers since they debuted with the Oculus Rift in 2016. But Valve is known for paving its own way. Their Index controllers, nicknamed ‘Knuckles’, let users interact without holding onto them thanks to a secure wrist strap. They also have small touchpads for navigating interfaces, which can mimic the inputs for games initially crafted for the older HTC Vive controllers.
Whispers of the Valve Deckard began back in January 2021 when data miners spotted a reference to a standalone VR device in a Steam update. It’s rumored to come packed with some serious features like wireless PC VR streaming, eye-tracking, and passthrough augmented reality—all of which could position it as a rival to the Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro.
Adding to the intrigue, a different controller design surfaced, echoing the control scheme of Valve’s Steam Deck handheld device and given the code name ‘Ibex’. The leaked render showcases Ibex’s sizeable dual touchpads, reminiscent of the Steam Deck.
Enthusiastic data miners are still on the lookout for any sneak peeks at Deckard itself. For now, however, Valve has remained tight-lipped. Considering how swiftly they patched these two controller models out, one can imagine Valve will tread carefully with future software updates.
Whether Valve intended for these leaks or not, similar situations are part and parcel of the tech world. Remember the Valve Index leak? It gave us a detailed look months before its official unveiling in June 2019.
Keep your eyes peeled, as Valve continues to keep the gaming community on its toes. With controller models popping up in SteamVR, another surprise release could very well be on the cards—a move that’s classic Valve.
