Rumors have been circulating recently about Valve working on a new handheld console, but fans of the Half-Life and Team Fortress developer may be waiting for a while to see it revealed.
Currently known as the SteamPal, Valve's handheld gaming console isn't expected to make an appearance at E3 according to PC Gamer. The publication initially raised the hopes of handheld enthusiasts when it suggested Valve would join the upcoming PC Gaming Show with news about Steam. After much anticipation in the comments, the information was updated to clarify that Valve would be there to discuss Steam Next Fest.
For Valve fans who are unaware, Steam Next Fest is an indie game showcase that will run from June 16 until June 22 and fans can expect to see several indie projects revealed during the show. While several fun new games may see the light of day during the Steam Next Fest, fans won't see the SteamPal or any new game announcements from Valve for that matter. While rumors are running wild about Valve's handheld console, the company hasn't directly announced the project or unveiled what it will look like.
SteamPal was originally found in the code from the Steam client's latest update and since then, Valve fans have been speculating about what it will be. The SteamPal won't join Steam Next Fest, but that doesn't make the event less intriguing as tons of demos will be on offer alongside several developer livestreams for the six-day event. Valve has even teased some titles that will appear at Steam Next Fest, from new RPGs to new VR titles.
Valve will be joining the PC Gaming Show at E3 this year to discuss another upcoming event, but the company may have more tricks up its sleeve. PC Gamer has already confirmed that the message from Valve will specifically be about Steam Next Fest, but until the event happens, many gamers will continue to speculate. Considering the PC Gaming Show is coming up soon, Valve fans won't have to wait long before seeing what's next for Steam.
While Valve will be joining the E3 2021 PC Gaming Show event to discuss Steam, this apparently won't include the confirmation of the SteamPal. It's entirely possible that Valve still shows up with the SteamPal as a last-minute surprise, but it's unlikely that the company would want to potentially overshadow other reveals that happen during Steam Next Fest. Whether SteamPal is part of E3's PC Gaming Show or not, there should be something for everyone to enjoy at the event.
Source: DSOG