Valve is rumored to be working on a handheld console similar to the Nintendo Switch. The release of the device may take place this year.
SteamDB creator Pavel Djundik noticed a mention of a new device called SteamPal in the Steam code. According to some sources, the gadget has secretly been in development for some time.
In the latest update to the beta version of the Steam client, several mentions of SteamPal and Neptune were found. According to SteamDB's assumption, they are the same device. The fact that this is a console is hinted at by the presence of a controller layout, and an updated user interface in the files. In addition, the gadget will have a quick menu with Airplane mode, as well as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and power settings. All this points to the portability of the console.
Added to this is a recent hint from company CEO Gabe Newell. In a conversation with New Zealand schoolchildren, he answered whether Valve plans to release console versions of "Steam games" or leave the latter as PC exclusives. Newell said that they would find out by the end of the year.
