Valve has officially launched version 3.7 of SteamOS, introducing significant enhancements, including for the first time support for various PC hardware beyond its Steam Deck. This release includes a combination of typical updates alongside a notable expansion of hardware compatibility.
The new version provides “official” or “improved support” for specific handheld devices such as the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo’s Legion Go and Legion Go S. Valve has also outlined configuration guidance for setting up the original Legion Go and ROG Ally for the SteamOS installation process. However, only the Steam Deck and Legion Go S will have complete SteamOS support.
This update indicates that SteamOS will function on “other AMD powered handhelds,” suggesting that many third-party handheld PCs equipped with Ryzen Z1 or Z2-series processors should support basic operations. Additionally, other AMD-based desktops and laptops may also see compatibility.
Previously, users could achieve a SteamOS-like experience on non-Valve hardware through community-built distributions like Bazzite. Now, some devices can directly access the SteamOS from Valve. This release follows Valve’s recent announcement of a “SteamOS Compatible” label for games, which will be listed distinct from their compatibility with the Steam Deck.
Current Requirements
To install SteamOS on eligible hardware, Valve specifies two key requirements: the use of AMD hardware and an NVMe SSD. The hardware requirements encompass the CPU, GPU, and chipset, and possibly the associated RZ-series Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules common in AMD systems. Users must also disable Secure Boot on their PCs, a feature typically enabled by default due to installation requirements for Windows 11. Guidance on how to disable this setting can usually be found in the manufacturer’s documentation.
Valve provides detailed instructions on downloading a SteamOS recovery image and creating a bootable USB drive with tools such as Rufus for Windows users or Balena Etcher for those on macOS and Linux. Once Secure Boot is turned off, users can boot from the USB and install SteamOS, similar to the installation process used on a typical Steam Deck.
It should be noted that there is no simple, officially approved method for dual-booting SteamOS alongside Windows. If users opt to transform their handheld, laptop, or desktop into a dedicated Steam Machine, reverting back to a Windows environment necessitates re-enabling Secure Boot and performing a clean installation from another USB drive.
The SteamOS 3.7 update (officially named version 3.7.8) also integrates numerous updates to its underlying software, including an updated Linux kernel version 6.11 (upgrading from 6.5 in the previous version), a refreshed Arch Linux base, and enhancements to the Plasma interface in desktop mode, alongside new Mesa graphics drivers and various bug fixes.
SteamOS’ Evolution
The original SteamOS was designed for broad compatibility with a wide range of PC hardware. It was offered by major PC manufacturers and as a standalone OS that could be installed on custom-built machines. However, it faced challenges, primarily due to a limited selection of games available that supported Linux natively.
The current iteration of SteamOS, however, began with more focused objectives, serving as the first-party operating system tailored for a specific gaming device. By prioritizing game compatibility and releasing it alongside well-defined hardware, Valve has established a more robust foundation for this version of SteamOS compared to its predecessor.
Nonetheless, SteamOS is not intended to serve as a direct substitute for Windows. The lack of robust support for Intel or Nvidia hardware limits its appeal for the majority of gaming PCs, including Intel-driven handhelds like the MSI Claw A1M. While Windows is designed for multifunctional use, SteamOS is not, and Valve explicitly states that despite offering a desktop mode, users should not view SteamOS as a replacement for a traditional desktop operating system. However, for systems primarily focused on gaming, SteamOS is indeed emerging as a viable option.
