Steam Deck 2: Is AMD Gainsborough the chip Valve’s been waiting for?
Leaked AMD driver information suggests a new chip codenamed 'Gainsborough' may be in development, sparking speculation about a potential Steam Deck 2. While the chip's specifications align with handheld power requirements, it remains unclear if this hardware is specifically intended for Valve's next device.
Why it matters
The potential for a next-generation Steam Deck is a major interest point for the gaming hardware market and handheld enthusiasts.
The Steam Deck is four and a half years old, and handheld gamers are eagerly awaiting a Steam Deck 2 — but Valve has consistently said it needs a new chip with a “generational leap” in performance and efficiency before building the sequel.
There’s some reason to believe that chip has now broken cover: AMD Gainsborough. But I’m a tad skeptical.
As leaker Moore’s Law is Dead and IT Home report, the latest AMD drivers have leaked the codename for a previously unknown chip: an “AMD Gainsborough.” The first Steam Deck chip was named “Aerith” after Final Fantasy VII’s heartbreaking love interest, and Gainsborough is her last name. Plus, the chip appears to be a semi-custom one (read: designed for a specific customer) on TSMC’s relatively recent N3P process.
[Media: https://youtu.be/3gy-dUHd-1s?si=FnNapGtIvPnfNyMw&t=139]
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