Following the unveiling of the Lenovo Legion Go S handheld gaming computer, the mechanisms are indeed shifting. Announced as the first officially sanctioned third-party device operating on Valve’s Linux-based OS, we are presented with more specifics regarding the expectations for the future of SteamOS—primarily, Valve is opening the gates wide.
In a recent news update, Valve shared that SteamOS will grow “beyond Steam Deck,” with a beta iteration of the operating system set to be accessible for users to download prior to the shipping of Lenovo’s handheld. Given that the Legion Go S is expected to launch in May, this beta could be much nearer than we anticipate. Regardless, it’s certainly been a long time in the making.
Valve expresses hope that this upcoming widely-available beta version will “enhance the experience on other handhelds,” while the company continues efforts to broaden SteamOS support. Gaming On Linux noticed a minor alteration that shifted ‘devices’ to ‘handhelds,’ implying an effort by Valve to temper expectations; for the moment, official support for running SteamOS on an actual desktop seems to remain an elusive possibility.
We got a hint more recently that SteamOS was attainable for non-Deck handhelds back in August when support for the keys of the ROG Ally handheld was detailed in a Beta update. Clarified language in SteamOS’ brand guidelines a few months later bolstered this theory—indeed, we weren’t merely speculating!
Setting aside the puns, it appears highly probable that both SteamOS and, by extension, the Steam Deck will continue to garner support. Versatility is the essence of handheld gaming; although SteamOS is based on Linux, Valve’s Proton compatibility layer guarantees that games developed for Windows function smoothly on Steam Deck, easing the burden on development studios from needing to create a Linux port as well.
Moreover, SteamOS’ desktop mode on Valve’s own handheld provides ample scope to experiment and personalize your device. This signifies that even on the Steam Deck itself, you aren’t confined to solely gaming on Steam and have the freedom to install competing clients as you please. For instance, downloads via desktop mode were also how many transformed their Steam Decks into streaming decks—initially lacking finesse, yet dedicated applications like Nvidia’s GeForce Now simplify game streaming significantly.
For these reasons and beyond, we maintain a favorable view of Valve’s original handheld. Nevertheless, with the Steam Deck 2 still some time away, it surely is advantageous to see more SteamOS-compatible alternatives on the horizon.