Deckard, Valve’s Next VR Headset, May Have Entered Production According to Reports
Valve’s long-rumored next-generation Virtual Reality headset, codenamed Deckard, may have officially entered production. According to a new report by the XR Research Institute, the device has reportedly gone into mass production with an estimated 400,000 to 600,000 units planned for its initial manufacturing run.
The report, first shared by UploadVR, has since been backed up by well-known Valve insiders Tyler McVicker and Brad Lynch (SadlyItsBradley). Lynch also posted on X (formerly Twitter) that two new headset models, Deckard DV1 and Deckard DV2, were discovered in the latest SteamVR beta update.
In Valve’s internal development terminology, the “DV” prefix refers to design validation units, which are considered the final pre-production versions of hardware before retail models labeled as “PV.” This discovery indicates that Valve may be preparing two different Deckard models or two SKUs, possibly with varying specifications or bundled features.
These findings align with earlier rumors suggesting that Valve’s new VR headset could launch in late 2025, potentially priced around $1200, though that figure remains unconfirmed.
Deckard will serve as Valve’s second major VR headset, following the Valve Index, which launched in June 2019 at $999. The Index shipped with Half-Life: Alyx, the critically acclaimed VR-exclusive installment in the Half-Life franchise. Despite its strong reputation for performance and immersion, the Index maintained a relatively small market share. As of January 2025, only 13.2% of all VR headsets connected to Steam were Index devices, according to Valve’s Steam Hardware & Software Survey.
The key question now is whether Valve plans to launch Deckard alongside another flagship title to drive adoption. A new first-party VR game, possibly another entry in the Half-Life universe, could serve as a major incentive for consumers hesitant about investing in high-end VR hardware.
According to Brad Lynch’s follow-up post, Valve could be preparing to officially announce Deckard as soon as this month or next, meaning that confirmation might be imminent.
If these reports hold true, 2025 could mark the long-awaited return of Valve to the forefront of the VR space, this time with more refined hardware and potentially broader support for next-generation virtual experiences.
Do you think Valve’s Deckard will redefine high-end VR like the Index once did, or will its high price tag limit its reach? What game would convince you to buy one?
