Valve is expanding the reach of its SteamOS platform, officially allowing installation on handheld devices beyond its own Steam Deck. Starting this April, a beta version of SteamOS will be available for download, giving handheld gaming enthusiasts a chance to experience the Linux-based operating system on third-party devices.
Pierre-Loup Griffais, a lead designer for Steam Deck and SteamOS, revealed that the beta for other handhelds is expected to ship shortly after March. This marks a significant step in Valve’s ambition to make SteamOS a platform bigger than just the Steam Deck, providing gamers an alternative to Windows for portable PC gaming.
The expansion aligns with Lenovo’s announcement that the Legion Go S, the first third-party handheld to feature SteamOS preloaded, will launch in May. This partnership showcases Valve’s strategy of making SteamOS a unified platform for handheld gaming, leveraging the same software updates and precached shaders that enhance performance on the Steam Deck. According to Griffais, Valve aims to maintain compatibility and smooth operation across devices by avoiding fragmentation of the SteamOS ecosystem.
While Valve has not confirmed specific devices that will work seamlessly with SteamOS, there are strong indications that popular handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go could benefit. Valve has been adding support for the Ally’s controls and is likely to build on community-driven projects like Bazzite, a fork of Steam Deck’s OS experience. Bazzite has proven highly effective on devices like the Ally and Legion Go, though Valve emphasizes that it is not yet ready for preloading by manufacturers.
Valve’s cautious approach to expanding SteamOS comes with strict guidelines for partnerships. Companies wishing to preload SteamOS on their devices must collaborate directly with Valve to ensure compatibility, firmware updates, and access to standardized features like boot managers and BIOS settings. Griffais emphasized the importance of maintaining a unified platform, which benefits both gamers and developers.
For gamers eager to try SteamOS on their handhelds, Valve’s upcoming beta will provide a hands-on opportunity to test its capabilities. However, the company warns that compatibility may vary depending on the device, and full optimization may not be guaranteed. A recent blog post confirmed that while the beta will improve the experience on many handhelds, it remains a work in progress.
Beyond handhelds, Valve hinted at the possibility of SteamOS being used for other devices, such as living room gaming systems. The company expressed openness to partnerships that could bring SteamOS to other form factors, though no specific projects were confirmed. Valve also teased future Steam Input-compatible controllers, fueling speculation about potential hardware developments.
The release of SteamOS for other handhelds signals a bold move by Valve to challenge Windows’ dominance in PC gaming. With its focus on seamless updates, enhanced performance, and expanding partnerships, SteamOS is positioning itself as a versatile and accessible platform for the next generation of gaming.
