Valve has officially released its highly anticipated SteamVR 2.0 update after a one-month beta testing period in September. While the company’s intentions regarding a new virtual reality headset remain uncertain, this update delivers a complete overhaul of the user interface, aligning it with the current Steam Big Picture mode. Notably, the Steam store has been restructured to prioritize new and significant VR releases at the top, making navigation consistent across the desktop app, the Steam Deck, and other devices. This update was originally scheduled for release in 2020.
The user interface of SteamVR 2.0 mirrors the Steam Deck’s interface, ensuring that all notifications, chat messages, and in-game screenshots can be easily accessed while wearing a VR headset. The keyboard has received updates to support typing in new languages and using emojis, allowing users to personalize their experience with downloadable themes. Dual-cursor typing aims to streamline problem-solving, and the dashboard now includes battery indicators and charging status for each controller, similar to wireless earbuds. The update marks Valve’s initial step in an ongoing effort to create a more unified Steam ecosystem, ensuring a consistent experience across all devices. The company is committed to continuously updating the interface and addressing any bugs.
The release of SteamVR 2.0 has sparked speculation about Valve’s potential plans for a new VR device. Recent reports suggested that Valve registered a mysterious hardware device in South Korea, believed to be a wireless successor to the wired Valve Index released in 2019, shortly before the launch of Half-Life: Alyx. A new Steam Deck 2 is not expected, as designer Lawrence Yang indicated that a version with a “significant bump in horsepower” would not be released for the next few years. Additionally, there are rumors of a standalone VR device codenamed ‘Deckard,’ which could compete with upcoming Meta Quest VR headsets.
The SteamVR 2.0 update is available for free by selecting Steam and then choosing the ‘Check For Client Updates’ option. For many users, VR gaming is not a regular activity, and their headsets may be out of date. Steam has also unveiled its most significant releases from September, including the rebranded EA Sports FC 24, the expansive space RPG Starfield, the dark Pinocchio-inspired souls-like game Lies of P, and more. Furthermore, Steam is preparing for a Halloween Sale set to begin later on October 26 at 10:30 PM IST/10 AM PT in the US, offering substantial discounts on selected spooky games. To find the best deals during major sales like the upcoming Autumn Sale, users can always check the price history on Steam Database.