Valve has released its highly anticipated SteamVR 2.0 update, following a beta testing phase in September. While it’s uncertain if the company is preparing for a new virtual reality headset, the update introduces a complete revamp of the user interface, resembling the current Steam Big Picture mode. The store now prioritizes new and major VR releases, providing a consistent experience across the desktop app, Steam Deck, and other devices. Originally scheduled for release in 2020, the update is finally here.
Maintaining a similar interface to the Steam Deck, users can now access notifications, chat messages, and in-game screenshots directly while wearing the VR headset. The keyboard has also been enhanced to support typing in different languages and the use of emojis. Users can further customize their experience with downloadable themes. The addition of dual-cursor typing enables faster problem-solving, and the dashboard now displays battery indicators and charging status for each controller, similar to wireless earbuds. According to the blog post, Valve plans to continually update the interface and resolve any bugs to provide a consistent experience to all users within the Steam ecosystem.
The release of SteamVR 2.0 has sparked speculation that Valve is preparing to launch a new VR device. Reports from last month suggested that the company registered a mystery wireless hardware in South Korea, possibly a successor to the wired Valve Index that was released in 2019 prior to the launch of Half-Life: Alyx. However, Valve designer Lawrence Yang denies any plans for a Steam Deck 2 in the near future. Instead, a standalone VR device known as ‘Deckard’ is reportedly in development to compete with the upcoming Meta Quest VR headsets.
The SteamVR 2.0 update is available for free. To access it, simply click on Steam, then select the ‘Check For Client Updates’ option. Keep in mind that it’s uncommon for users to regularly play games with their VR headsets, so there’s a possibility that yours may be outdated. In other news, Steam has unveiled its top releases for September, which include the rebranded EA Sports FC 24, the expansive space RPG Starfield, the dark and atmospheric Pinocchio souls-like game Lies of P, and more. Additionally, Steam will be hosting a Halloween Sale starting at 10:30 PM IST/10 AM PT on October 26, offering significant discounts on select spooky games. If you’re ever concerned about finding the best price during major sales like the upcoming Autumn Sale, you can always check the price history on Steam Database.
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