Valve has officially begun rolling out SteamOS support for third-party handheld gaming devices, signaling a major shift in the handheld market. The latest SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview introduces early compatibility for non-Steam Deck systems, positioning Linux as a potential alternative to Windows for portable gaming.
Valve Opens the Doors to More Handhelds
For years, the Steam Deck has been the flagship device for SteamOS, but gamers have long speculated about a broader rollout. That speculation has now turned into reality.
The SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview brings a host of updates, but the standout feature is the “Beginnings of support for non-Steam Deck handhelds.” This suggests that Valve is actively working on making SteamOS viable on devices beyond its own hardware. Until now, users had to rely on unofficial workarounds to install SteamOS on third-party handhelds, often facing compatibility issues and missing features.
Key Updates in SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview
The update introduces several important changes that improve the operating system’s functionality and performance:
- Linux Kernel Upgrade – SteamOS now runs on Linux 6.11, which enhances hardware support and performance.
- Controller Fixes and Additions – New controller support, including the Proteus Byowave controller, along with fixes for gyro and input issues.
- Bluetooth Tweaks – Prevents Bluetooth devices from waking the Steam Deck from sleep and adds battery level indicators for supported devices.
- Desktop Mode Improvements – Now running Plasma 6.2.5 with better responsiveness and fewer crashes.
- Graphics and Performance Enhancements – Improved CPU frequency control using AMD’s P-State and fixes for performance drops in certain games.
What This Means for Windows Handhelds
Many handheld gaming PCs, such as the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, currently rely on Windows. While Windows offers broad game compatibility, it has drawbacks, including system overhead, updates that interrupt gaming, and suboptimal touch interface support. SteamOS, on the other hand, is designed for gaming first, potentially offering a smoother experience with lower resource usage.
Some handheld gamers prefer Windows for its flexibility, but others have been frustrated with its limitations on small-screen devices. If SteamOS can provide a polished, hassle-free alternative with better battery efficiency, it could pose a serious challenge to Windows in this space.
Industry Implications and Future Developments
Valve’s move could influence the future of handheld gaming in several ways:
- More Competition in Handheld OS Market – Windows has dominated for years, but a viable Linux-based alternative could change that.
- Better Optimization for Handheld Devices – SteamOS might encourage developers to create better-optimized Linux versions of their games.
- Potential for Preinstalled SteamOS Devices – If SteamOS proves to be a strong alternative, manufacturers might start shipping handhelds with it preinstalled instead of Windows.
While it’s still early days for third-party SteamOS support, Valve’s willingness to open up its platform suggests that the company sees significant potential in expanding beyond the Steam Deck.
