Valve’s SteamOS Update Expands Support to Rival AMD Handhelds

Valve has officially released SteamOS 3.7.8, marking a significant milestone by extending support beyond its own Steam Deck to rival AMD handheld devices such as Lenovo’s Legion Go and Asus’s ROG Ally series. This update transforms the gaming landscape by allowing users to install SteamOS on these third-party devices with official recovery images and installation instructions.

Previously, enthusiasts had to rely on unofficial methods to run SteamOS on non-Steam Deck handhelds, often facing compatibility and stability challenges. Now, Valve’s official support signals a strategic move to broaden the SteamOS ecosystem and encourage hardware diversity within the handheld gaming market.

Key Features and Improvements in SteamOS 3.7.8

Beyond expanding device support, SteamOS 3.7.8 introduces a suite of enhancements for Steam Deck users that improve usability and device longevity.

• Bluetooth microphone support in desktop mode enables users to utilize earbuds’ mics, enhancing communication capabilities.
• Remote activation of the Steam Deck’s LCD screen via Bluetooth controllers, a feature previously exclusive to OLED models, improves convenience when docked.
• Battery charge limit settings help prolong battery health by capping charge at 80% for devices frequently plugged in.
• Frame-limiting for variable refresh rate displays and control over AMD CPU P-state frequencies offer gamers more performance customization.

Under the hood, the update integrates newer versions of Arch Linux, Mesa graphics drivers, and the Plasma desktop environment, ensuring a modern and stable foundation for gaming and productivity.

Valve’s Vision for SteamOS Expansion

Valve’s updated SteamOS FAQ hints at a broader strategy to license SteamOS to more hardware partners beyond Lenovo and Asus. This could signal a future where SteamOS becomes a versatile platform powering a variety of handheld and possibly living room gaming devices.

Industry rumors about Valve’s upcoming wireless VR headset and potential SteamOS-powered consoles suggest that the company is orchestrating a comprehensive ecosystem that bridges handheld, VR, and living room gaming experiences.

For developers and gamers alike, this evolution means more choices and opportunities to engage with Valve’s gaming ecosystem on a wider range of devices, potentially reshaping how portable and home gaming coexist.