Valve has officially launched version 3.7 of SteamOS, marking a significant update that broadens support for various PC hardware beyond just the Steam Deck. This latest release introduces “official” and “improved support” for several handheld devices, specifically mentioning the Asus ROG Ally and the Lenovo Legion Go and Legion Go S. Notably, while the Steam Deck and Legion Go S receive full support, Valve provides guidance on configuring the original Legion Go and ROG Ally for SteamOS installation.
The update expands compatibility to “other AMD powered handhelds,” suggesting that third-party handheld PCs equipped with AMD Ryzen Z1 or Z2-series processors will have basic functionality. Additionally, all-AMD desktops and laptops may find themselves eligible for support as well.
Previously, gamers could achieve a SteamOS-like experience on non-Valve hardware via community-supported distributions like Bazzite. However, this new release allows select hardware to run SteamOS directly from Valve. Coupled with this launch is Valve’s announcement of a new “SteamOS Compatible” label for games, which will appear separately from the Steam Deck compatibility information.
To successfully install SteamOS on a device, users must ensure their hardware meets specific requirements: it must use AMD components and have an NVMe SSD. The requirement likely encompasses the CPU, GPU, chipset, and potentially the RZ-series Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules associated with AMD systems. Additionally, users will need to disable Secure Boot, a feature commonly enabled by default for Windows 11 installations.
This update represents a hopeful development for gamers seeking more flexibility and compatibility with SteamOS, paving the way for a broader ecosystem around Valve’s gaming platform.