Valve's SteamOS is gaining significant traction in the gaming handheld market as more manufacturers look to adopt the Linux-based operating system. With SteamOS 3.8 on the horizon, companies beyond Valve are recognizing the advantages of a dedicated gaming OS over Windows for portable gaming devices.
HP Exploring SteamOS Handheld Development
HP has expressed interest in creating its own gaming handheld powered by SteamOS, according to Josephine Tan, SVP and Division President of Gaming Solutions at HP. In a recent interview, Tan highlighted that the company struggles with the experience of Windows on handheld devices, suggesting that SteamOS offers a more streamlined gaming experience. This revelation comes as Valve has begun adding support for non-Steam Deck handhelds in its operating system.
Tan emphasized that HP doesn't want to be merely a system integrator that assembles existing components, but rather aims to differentiate itself in the market. This could potentially involve creating a unique ecosystem with features like OMEN AI or seamless connectivity between HP peripherals and PCs. The company appears to be focusing on user experience as its primary consideration when entering new markets.
Upcoming SteamOS Compatible Devices:
- Lenovo Legion Go S (first official non-Valve SteamOS device)
- Potential HP gaming handheld (in consideration)
- ASUS ROG Ally (currently working with unofficial SteamOS 3.8)
SteamOS 3.8 Already Running on ROG Ally
While the official release of SteamOS 3.8 is still pending, a YouTuber known as The Phawx has already managed to install the operating system on an ASUS ROG Ally. Despite being limited to a 15W power mode in this unofficial implementation, the ROG Ally demonstrated impressive performance compared to the Steam Deck, which also operates at a maximum of 15W.
Benchmark tests revealed that the ROG Ally with SteamOS 3.8 outperformed the Steam Deck in several games, with particularly notable improvements in frame rate stability. Although the Steam Deck's custom 4-core/8-thread CPU showed advantages in some scenarios, the ROG Ally's more powerful Z1 Extreme processor still delivered better overall performance despite the power constraints.
SteamOS 3.8 Features:
- Support for non-Steam Deck handhelds
- Improved performance on devices like ROG Ally
- Simple setup and game resumption
- Future desktop PC compatibility planned
Growing Ecosystem Beyond Steam Deck
Valve's commitment to expanding SteamOS beyond the Steam Deck is materializing with the upcoming release of SteamOS 3.8. The Lenovo Legion Go S is set to be the first non-Valve device to officially support the operating system, with pre-orders already available. This collaboration between Lenovo and Valve represents a significant step in SteamOS's expansion.
The appeal of SteamOS lies in its gaming-focused design, offering what Tan described as a very simple setup where the system will remember the last game I played as soon as it's turned on. This user-friendly approach contrasts with the more complex Windows experience that many handheld manufacturers have relied on until now.
Industry Shift Toward Software Focus
The gaming handheld market appears to be shifting its focus from hardware specifications to software experiences. Microsoft has also recognized this trend, announcing plans to combine the best of Xbox and Windows together for handheld gaming devices. An accidental leak revealed that Microsoft is developing a new UI potentially aimed at matching the convenience of SteamOS.
For desktop gamers, Windows remains the primary operating system, though Valve has indicated plans to release SteamOS more widely in the future. This suggests that while a complete shift away from Windows won't happen immediately, the industry is moving toward more specialized gaming operating systems that prioritize user experience and performance optimization.
As SteamOS 3.8 approaches its official release, it promises to remove the current power limitations on non-Steam Deck handhelds, allowing devices like the ROG Ally to reach their full potential. Additionally, reports indicate that SteamOS will eventually be available for desktop PCs, further expanding its reach beyond the handheld market.