Valve Expands SteamOS Beta Support to Intel and ARM Handhelds
A new SteamOS update introduces gamepad support for non-AMD devices, signaling a move toward a universal gaming OS.
Valve has released the SteamOS 3.8.25 Beta update, introducing initial gamepad support for several third-party handheld devices. The move marks a significant shift in the company's strategy to bring its gaming ecosystem to hardware beyond its own Steam Deck.
The update specifically adds initial gamepad support for the Intel-based MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ and ARM-based devices, including the Ayaneo Pocket S2 and Konkr Fit. Additionally, Valve has implemented improved support for other handheld models from MSI and OneXPlayer, including the OneXPlayer Apex. These changes indicate a concerted effort to ensure SteamOS functions across diverse hardware architectures.
The Shift from AMD Dominance
Historically, SteamOS was heavily optimized for AMD hardware, the same architecture that powers the Steam Deck. This narrow focus left users of other handhelds relying on community-driven distributions, such as Bazzite, to replicate the SteamOS experience on non-Valve or non-AMD devices. The current expansion into x86 Intel and ARM support aligns with Valve's broader hardware trajectory, most notably seen in the Steam Frame, which utilizes a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and runs SteamOS.
Implications for the Handheld Market
By expanding compatibility, Valve is positioning SteamOS as a potential universal operating system for the handheld market. This reduces the industry's reliance on Windows 11, which has faced criticism for poor optimization on small-screen, portable devices. As Jackie Thomas, Hardware and Buying Guides Editor at IGN, noted regarding the MSI Claw, the Windows OS was a primary limiting factor, and the integration of SteamOS could significantly elevate the device's market position.
Increasing the adoption of SteamOS across various manufacturers could lock more users into the Valve ecosystem while providing a more streamlined, console-like experience for gamers. However, a major gap remains: the lack of official Nvidia support. Given that Nvidia GPUs dominate the broader gaming PC landscape, the absence of these drivers remains a significant hurdle for total market penetration.
What to Watch
While the current update focuses on initial gamepad support, the industry is watching to see if this progresses into full, official OS support for ARM-based Android handhelds like the Ayaneo Pocket S2 and Konkr Fit. If Valve continues this trajectory, it could fundamentally change how third-party handheld manufacturers approach their software stacks, potentially phasing out Windows in favor of a more specialized gaming OS.