Valve has announced a significant expansion of SteamOS, the Linux-based operating system that powers the Steam Deck. Previously exclusive to their handheld gaming device, SteamOS will soon be available for installation on a wide range of PC hardware, bringing the Steam Deck experience to desktops and laptops alike.
Key Features of the Expanded SteamOS
- Broad Hardware Compatibility: SteamOS is being optimized to run on various PC configurations, ensuring a seamless experience across different hardware setups.
- User-Friendly Installation: Valve is developing an easy-to-use installer, simplifying the process for users to replace or dual-boot their existing operating systems with SteamOS.
- Regular Updates: The operating system will receive consistent updates, mirroring those of the Steam Deck, to provide users with the latest features and improvements.
What This Means for Gamers
By expanding SteamOS beyond the Steam Deck, Valve aims to offer a cohesive and optimized gaming environment for all PC gamers. This move could reduce dependency on traditional operating systems, providing a platform tailored specifically for gaming.
Developer Opportunities
For developers, this expansion presents an opportunity to optimize their games for a unified Linux-based platform, potentially simplifying development and support processes.
Valve plans to release more details and a beta version of the expanded SteamOS in the coming months. This initiative marks a significant step toward a more integrated and versatile PC gaming ecosystem.
In addition to expanding SteamOS beyond the Steam Deck, Valve has partnered with Lenovo to introduce the Legion Go S, the first authorized third-party handheld device running SteamOS. Unveiled at CES 2025, the Legion Go S features an 8-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, and a starting price of $499.99. This collaboration signifies Valve’s commitment to broadening the SteamOS ecosystem, offering gamers more choices in hardware while maintaining a seamless and optimized gaming experience.
Note: This article is based on information from a Steam News update. Linked here
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