PC gaming handhelds are in every single place nowadays, however none have managed to unseat the Steam Deck. Some, just like the Ayaneo Air, are smaller, whereas others, just like the Lenovo Legion Go, are extra configurable. Then there’s the Asus ROG Ally, in all probability the closest competitor to the Steam Deck due to its smaller type issue and its appreciable energy bump. Title recognition and aggressive pricing have little doubt contributed to the Steam Deck’s success regardless of its typically weaker specs, but it surely’s additionally held a severe benefit in comfort—however that is altering.
Other than energy or construct, the chief distinction thus far between the Steam Deck and opponents has been their working methods. Whereas most opponents use Home windows, Valve’s system makes use of SteamOS, a model of Linux that’s purpose-built for handheld gaming. It has some downsides relating to sport compatibility, but it surely has nonetheless given the Steam Deck a severe out-of-the-box edge.
That’s why it is shocking to listen to that Valve confirmed to The Verge yesterday that it’s engaged on supporting SteamOS on competing gadgets. Referencing a word from SteamOS’ newest patch, Valve designer Lawrence Yang stated, “The word about ROG Ally keys is expounded to third-party system help for SteamOS. The group is continuous to work on including help for extra handhelds on SteamOS.”
That is big information for PC gaming. It’s not the primary time Valve has talked about bringing SteamOS to different handhelds, however it’s the first affirmation we have seen from the corporate shortly.
Why SteamOS compatability is an enormous deal
Why the fuss over an working system? Effectively, as a lot as I’ve been tempted lately to modify from my Steam Deck, urged on by guarantees of upper resolutions or higher body charges, I’ve been unwilling to depart SteamOS behind. It’s simply that good.
Not like Home windows, SteamOS boots on to your Steam Recreation library, which means launching a title is just a faucet or two away. It additionally comes with a handy fast settings panel constructed proper into the working system, permitting you to regulate something from energy draw to fan velocity with out diving by system settings menus. And it’s clean as butter to navigate with a controller.
It does have its downsides in comparison with Home windows—video games that require anti-cheat aren’t playable on SteamOS, and another video games may need compatibility points on a per-title foundation (though in my expertise, I can just about run something I would like, even when the Steam Deck says it’s not supported). It additionally has fewer makes use of as a basic pc, even when swapped over to desktop mode, though fan-made utilities have carried out loads to bridge that hole.
To me, SteamOS a significantly better handheld expertise than Home windows, which is tough to navigate with a controller and normally requires sifting by too many menus and doing extra debugging. Fast settings panels are additionally combined on Home windows, because you’re normally on the mercy of no matter proprietary resolution your handheld’s producer has developed, somewhat than one thing constructed into the working system.
It’s unclear when precisely Steam Deck will make its technique to rival handhelds, as Yang merely advised the Verge the corporate is “making regular progress,” however that it isn’t “able to run out of the field but.”
It is smart that this isn’t a precedence for Valve, since SteamOS is without doubt one of the larger attracts to its personal gadgets. However on the similar time, the corporate is a storefront first, so it’s likewise no shock it might need extra folks utilizing a Steam-centric OS, no matter the place they play. Whereas you should use SteamOS to play non-Steam video games, it’s definitely much less handy. Having non-Steam Deck house owners utilizing SteamOS may enhance Steam gross sales general.
That stated, not all of that is so transparently about boosting gross sales: Yang additionally advised The Verge that Valve is engaged on implementing dual-booting on its Steam Deck OLED fashions, permitting you to swap between Home windows and SteamOS at will for these instances when SteamOS can’t run a sure sport.
“There’s no replace on the timing for twin boot help,” Yang stated. “It’s nonetheless a precedence, however we haven’t been in a position to get to it simply but.”
That additionally holds true for the overall launch of Steam OS 3, which might work not simply on handheld machines, but additionally desktop computer systems.
Observe that outdoors of Steam Decks, it’s unlikely any gadgets will ship with SteamOS because the out-of-the-box commonplace. However for folks prepared to spend a night on the set up, swapping to SteamOS may make the remainder of their playtime loads smoother.
