Valve prepares to expand SteamOS beyond the Steam Deck
- Valve is introducing a 'SteamOS Compatible' label to identify games that work well with its operating system.
- The plan includes compatibility with approximately 18,000 titles at launch, indicating a significant library for users.
- Valve aims to make SteamOS a competitive alternative to Windows for gaming, albeit with some remaining compatibility issues.
In May 2025, Valve announced plans to broaden its gaming-focused Linux-based operating system, SteamOS, beyond its initial platform, the Steam Deck, a handheld gaming device. The company has started implementing changes to its Steam storefront aimed at preparing for a wider release of SteamOS-compatible gaming options, specifically among various handheld devices, starting with models like the Asus ROG Ally. The introduction of a new "SteamOS Compatible" label is a significant step, indicating whether games and their middleware will work effectively with SteamOS, factoring in game functionality, launcher compatibility, and anti-cheat measures. Valve's initiative aims to categorize approximately 18,000 titles as SteamOS compatible, building upon existing capabilities that allow unmodified Windows applications to run via Proton, its app translation technology. This change is critical as it helps bridge the gap between SteamOS and traditional gaming on Windows, although full parity with Windows gaming capabilities hasn’t been achieved yet. Customers will see titles marked as "SteamOS Unsupported" if they encounter serious compatibility issues, offering clarity about what users can expect when playing games on various SteamOS devices. The development represents Valve's strategy not only to adapt to evolving technology but also to contend with anticipated declines in Windows 10 support as users look for competent alternatives. Many users currently point to the limitations of running Linux with Proton, where certain titles occasionally fail to perform as expected, often prompting a return to Windows. Valve's response to this feedback appears to focus on preempting these concerns by streamlining the user experience on the new SteamOS platform. Despite challenges such as compatibility issues and performance discrepancies compared to Windows, Valve is determined to provide a seamless gaming experience across various devices. While further improvements are needed, the company is committed to refining SteamOS capabilities to match or exceed existing standards set by Windows gaming platforms. As the technology landscape evolves, Valve's approach could position SteamOS as a genuine competitor for Windows in the gaming sector.