According to a Valve developer, the next version of the Steam Deck, likely called the Steam Deck 2, may feature magnetic thumbsticks. Currently, Valve is prioritizing the Steam Controller, which quickly sold out after its release. This is disappointing for fans who wanted to purchase one, as many units were bought by resellers.
The newest Steam Controller is a significant upgrade and is currently leading the way in Steam hardware innovation, surpassing the Steam Machine and Steam Frame. While the Machine targets console gamers and the Frame focuses on virtual reality, all future Steam hardware developments are building on the success of the Steam Deck. A Steam Deck 2 is the natural next step, and Valve is committed to making substantial improvements, rather than just small updates.
Steam Deck 2 Likely to feature TMR Thumbsticks
The one improvement I’m really hoping for with the Steam Deck 2 is a longer-lasting battery. While I haven’t experienced stick drift myself, some others have reported it to Valve. This issue stems from the original Steam Deck’s analog sticks, but Valve has already addressed it with the newer Steam Controller. That controller uses more reliable magnetic thumbsticks, and Valve designer Lawrence Yang strongly suggested – though didn’t directly confirm – that the Steam Deck 2 will feature this same upgrade.
We aren’t discussing future hardware plans in detail currently, but we’re likely to keep improving our existing technology. We’re very pleased with the TMR thumbsticks – we’ve already used them in the Steam Controller, and we might incorporate them into future products as well.
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It’s likely the next Steam Deck (Steam Deck 2) will include the same advanced thumbsticks found on the Steam Controller and Steam Frame Controller. These thumbsticks use a technology called Tunnel Magnetoresistance (TMR), which relies on magnets to detect movement instead of traditional, and less durable, potentiometers. TMR sticks are much better at preventing stick drift and making controllers last longer. While controllers like the Xbox Elite and PlayStation DualSense Edge still use the older potentiometer technology, TMR is becoming standard in premium third-party controllers.
Yang’s comments are seen around the 13:45 timestamp above.
It’s unclear exactly how Valve will continue developing its hardware, given current supply chain problems, but a Steam Deck 2 is definitely coming. Valve has stated they want the new version to be a significant improvement over the first, and another developer confirmed they are actively working on it. They see a clear connection between past projects like the Steam Controller and Steam Machine and the current Steam Deck, suggesting the next generation will likely follow a similar path of innovation.
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2026-05-05 19:04