Valve's popular SteamOS operating system, previously exclusive to the Steam Deck handheld gaming device, is finally making its way to other gaming handhelds. Early adopters and tech enthusiasts have begun testing unofficial versions of SteamOS 3.8 on devices like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, providing a glimpse of what's to come when Valve officially releases SteamOS for third-party hardware.
SteamOS Coming to Non-Steam Deck Devices
Valve is preparing to release SteamOS for devices beyond the Steam Deck, with the Lenovo Legion Go S confirmed as the first official third-party device to ship with SteamOS in May 2025. The Legion Go S will be available in two configurations: a $599 Windows version and a more affordable $499 SteamOS edition. This marks a significant shift in Valve's strategy, as SteamOS has been exclusive to the Steam Deck since its launch.
Confirmed SteamOS Device Launch
- Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS: May 2025
- Pricing: $499 (SteamOS version), $599 (Windows version)
Early SteamOS Testing Results
- Devices successfully tested: ASUS ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go
- SteamOS version tested: 3.8 (unofficial installation)
- Installation method: Using Steam Deck Recovery Image
Hardware Feature Support
- ROG Ally: 120Hz screen and VRR recognized
- ROG Ally: Additional buttons and back buttons not recognized
- ROG Ally: Controller identified as "Atari Xbox 360 Game Controller"
- Power limitation: 15W TDP cap on unofficial installations
Early Testing Shows Promise
Tech enthusiasts haven't waited for the official release, with YouTubers like ETA Prime and The Phawx already demonstrating SteamOS running on the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally respectively. These early tests used the Steam Deck Recovery Image as a starting point, providing a preview of SteamOS 3.8 on non-Steam Deck hardware. While the installations required some workarounds, including the use of external mice and keyboards during setup, the results have been largely positive.
Performance Comparisons
Early benchmarks comparing SteamOS on the ROG Ally against the Steam Deck show promising results. The ROG Ally outperformed the Steam Deck in games like Batman: Arkham Knight and Cyberpunk 2077, while falling behind in titles such as Deus Ex: Mankind Divided and Returnal. Overall, performance was comparable to the Steam Deck's LCD model, which is impressive considering this is an unofficial installation without device-specific optimizations.
Hardware Recognition and Limitations
SteamOS recognized some device-specific features during these early tests. On the ROG Ally, the system detected the 120Hz screen and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) capabilities. However, there were limitations, such as the ROG Ally's additional buttons and back buttons not being recognized, and the controller being identified as an Atari Xbox 360 Game Controller. Similarly, on the Legion Go, users needed external peripherals to complete the installation process.
Power Management Challenges
One notable limitation in the early builds is power management. The ROG Ally installation was restricted to a 15W TDP limit, which affected power usage efficiency. In some cases, this caused games like Sonic Mania to draw more power than necessary. These issues are expected to be resolved when Valve releases the official version with proper device support.
Windows vs. SteamOS
Many users of Windows-based handhelds like the ROG Ally and Legion Go have complained about Windows' clunky interface on small screens and its resource-heavy nature. SteamOS offers a console-like experience specifically designed for handheld gaming, with a controller-friendly interface and potentially better power efficiency. Early testers have reported that SteamOS seems to have less processing overhead than Windows, which could translate to better battery life and performance.
Official Release Timeline
While enthusiasts are already experimenting with unofficial installations, Valve plans to open a beta for SteamOS on third-party devices before the Legion Go S launches in May. Comments in Valve's code and patch notes suggest the general release beta is imminent. Once released, SteamOS will likely be tested on numerous handheld PCs and possibly even desktop computers, allowing for more direct comparisons against Windows.
Microsoft's Response
With SteamOS potentially challenging Windows in the handheld gaming PC space, Microsoft has hinted at a response. The company has suggested it may combine elements of Xbox and Windows for future handhelds, though specific plans remain vague. This competition could benefit consumers as both companies work to improve their operating systems for portable gaming devices.
Future Implications
The expansion of SteamOS to other devices could significantly impact the handheld PC gaming market. If SteamOS proves to be more efficient and user-friendly than Windows on these devices, it could become the preferred operating system for handheld gaming PCs. This would give Valve a stronger position in the gaming ecosystem and potentially influence how games are developed and optimized for portable devices.