Valve Galileo VR Porn
A confluence of evidence suggests that Valve could be developing a VR Console PC.
What we know
Some leaked information has led many in the VR community to believe that Valve is working on a brand new console platform for Steam and VR.
At the top, Linux has updated their sound drivers to include a new valve device codenamed “Galileo,” which features a new APU codenamed “Sephiroth.” This parallels the pre-release codenames of the Steam Deck and its APU which were “Jupiter,” and “Aerith,” respectively. Clearly, Valve are developing a device that runs on Linux, and they’ve been transparent about the fact that they're not working on a Steam Deck 2 for some time.
This is interesting, given the context of a datamining find back in February that turned up information that the Galileo device was being developed to use a “proximity sensor” and a “small circular touch screen display.” Both features that could easily be inferred as VR-specific, though not exclusively, so grains of salt are advised.
Following that, Valve created a Sub (a set of games grouped together and key-activated) that features entirely VR titles. It’s thin evidence on its own, but when correlated with the other bits of info it’s hard not to see a pattern emerging. Valve are developing Something. We know it’s a hardware product with a robust APU. We know it will run on Valve OS. We know VR equipment is involved. We know it’s not a handheld device. All signs seem to point to a Console.
Why make a console?
When you look at Valve’s status right now, the iron is actually pretty hot. The success of the Steam Deck is an obvious tee-up. With Steam OS being a demonstrably viable platform running on Linux via Proton, a lot of the foundation has already been laid in terms of software. A full-fledged console would be an evolution of that system, rather than a risky new venture.
Speaking of the Deck: one of its major selling points was the Steam library. It’s not just a handheld; it’s a handheld that lets users play all of the games. Like all of the games, which many players have been adding to their collection for up to a decade or more. You buy the handheld and you can immediately play hundreds– maybe even thousands– of games that you already own. Imagine that kind of market leverage for a full sized console.
And one of the drawbacks to VR is processing power, at least for serious gaming. Having a PC that can support higher fidelity, higher framerate games is cost-prohibitive. Standalone headsets are great for smaller games and for watching video content– and they’re always getting better– but for more demanding games they still don’t pack quite enough horsepower compared to a high-end PC. With an optimized, out-of-the-box console, Valve could be aiming to fill that gap in the consumer market.
That’s cool and all, but can I watch VR porn on it?
This is where it gets really interesting for us. Given Valve’s record of embracing modders in their user base, it’s reasonable to expect that this new system will be very hackable, especially compared to the consoles from Team Green and Team Blue. Steam Deck tinkerers are well known for their creative applications and mods, from hardware changes to total OS overhauls and everything in between. It will probably be very easy to use this console however you want, much like a PC.
And even if you’re not one to get under the hood and get your hands dirty, Steam already offers countless ways to enjoy VR video, including our very own DeoVR Player. Though it’s impossible to make any promises this early and with only conjecture to go on, chances are good that yes… you can watch VR porn on it. In fact, it could turn out to be one of the best headsets for VR Porn. *collective sigh of relief*
When more details arise and we get a look at the hardware and specs, we'll be sure to keep you up-to-date on this potentially great new way to enjoy our ever-expanding library of premium content.
