New AMD Chip May Underpin Valve's Steam Deck 2
Leaked AMD drivers reveal a chip codenamed "Gainsborough," potentially powering Valve's next-generation Steam Deck. Valve has been awaiting a significant performance leap.
Valve's anticipated Steam Deck 2 may be closer to reality, with evidence suggesting the use of a new AMD chip codenamed "Gainsborough." The company has previously stated a need for a substantial leap in performance and efficiency before developing a successor to its handheld gaming device.
Information regarding the "Gainsborough" chip surfaced through recent leaks of AMD's drivers. The codename appeared in driver files, sparking speculation about its intended use. The original Steam Deck utilized a chip codenamed "Aerith," a character from Final Fantasy VII, making the new name a notable parallel.
While the discovery is significant, definitive confirmation of its role in the Steam Deck 2 remains pending. Valve has consistently emphasized that a successor would require a considerable technological advancement. The "Gainsborough" chip could represent this much-needed improvement in both processing power and energy consumption compared to the current model.
The original Steam Deck launched in April 2022, and gamers have been anticipating an upgrade. The emergence of "Gainsborough" potentially signals Valve's next step in handheld PC gaming hardware, promising a more capable and efficient experience.