Every PC handheld resembles a Steam Deck now, and here's why that should excite you

Valve's SteamOS update transforms PC handhelds into Steam Deck-like devices, promising a seamless gaming experience.

: The latest update to Valve's SteamOS offers enhanced compatibility for PC handhelds like Lenovo Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally, mimicking the Steam Deck experience. Despite challenges with Intel chipset devices like MSI Claw 7, collaborating with Intel for wider compatibility is a step forward. Installing SteamOS involves downloading a recovery image, reflecting Valve's commitment to expanding their marketplace across gaming platforms. This move signals potential competition for Windows in PC gaming, with handhelds benefiting from less background processing than Windows devices.

Valve's SteamOS has received a significant update, allowing gamers to install the handheld-focused operating system on various PC handheld devices. This new compatibility has expanded beyond the company's own Steam Deck to include models from other manufacturers, making it more accessible and offering a cheaper alternative to Windows 11 on similar devices. The new update could fundamentally change how users interact with these handheld PCs by streamlining the gaming experience to be more console-like, reducing the clutter associated with Windows operating systems.

SteamOS version 3.7.8 is now available for download, marking its transition out of beta testing. Although originally developed with the Steam Deck in mind, the update broadens its reach to support the Lenovo Legion Go S and any handheld PC running an AMD chipset. This includes the Asus ROG Ally and Ally X, enhancing their performance by optimizing them to run Valve's gaming-focused ecosystem. This strategic move by Valve emphasizes proliferating access to the Steam marketplace across both small and large gaming platforms.

Valve provides detailed instructions on its website for downloading the SteamOS recovery image, which makes it relatively straightforward for users to transition their devices to this operating system. However, some devices that use Intel chipsets, such as the MSI Claw 7 and Claw 8 AI+, are still not supported. Valve is currently working with Intel to resolve these compatibility issues, shedding light on its commitment to inclusivity in gaming technology.

The implications of this move could significantly shift the competitive landscape of PC gaming. As SteamOS allows these handhelds to operate more efficiently with fewer background tasks than Windows 11, gamers could observe improved performance. Microsoft, however, is not standing still, and may potentially partner with Asus to develop official Xbox handheld PCs, which could introduce new dynamics in the market.

Despite the growing success of Microsoft's Game Pass, Steam remains the leading game distribution platform, and Valve's push to expand SteamOS could pose a substantial challenge to Windows' dominance in the PC gaming industry. This development could offer a more seamless gaming experience for users who prefer a less ad-heavy and more streamlined operating system than Windows. Valve's move indicates a future where the dominance of Windows in the PC gaming sector is contested, potentially leading to more diverse and innovative gaming solutions.

Sources: Gizmodo, Frandroid

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