SteamOS
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for SteamOS.
Latest coverage
A public outing of severe and unfixed Linux kernel vulnerabilities should have you thinking of updating your SteamOS or…
A significant number of unpatched Linux kernel vulnerabilities, some scoring as high as 9.0 on the CVSS scale, were accidentally disclosed on a public mailing list. These vulnerabilities, including remote code execution and privilege escalation flaws, were reported by Trend Micro's Zero Day Initiative and have been jumped on by kernel maintainer Greg Kroah-Hartman. While some patches are in testing or queued for beta branches, many remain unaddressed, leaving Linux systems potentially exposed.
Dial Up the Cloud: NVIDIA DLSS 4.5 Controls Arrive on GeForce NOW
NVIDIA has introduced new DLSS 4.5 controls for GeForce NOW, allowing members to customize game visuals and performance in the cloud without requiring high-end hardware. This update coincides with the launch of Keen Games' Enshrouded 1.0 and Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 on the service, alongside ten other new titles.
All hail the long steam machine, Pimax's new SteamOS-ready mini PC
Pimax has announced the Spation, a new mini PC designed to run SteamOS and potentially compete with Valve's Steam Machine. The Spation boasts powerful hardware, including an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor and either an RX 9070 XT or RTX 5070 Ti graphics card, aiming to provide a more capable VR experience than Valve's offering.
Linux manages to avoid the age verification apocalypse, but SteamOS isn't in the clear yet
California's Digital Age Assurance Act, set to take effect in 2027, will exempt open-source operating systems like Linux from mandatory age verification checks due to an amendment. However, Valve's SteamOS, which has proprietary elements, may still be subject to compliance, and users will likely still need to verify their age on Steam for certain games.
Microsoft apparently just upped its Windows licence fee for OEM handheld and PC makers, and I'm taking it as an…
Microsoft has reportedly increased Windows OEM license fees by 7% to 10% for handheld and PC makers, a move criticized as bold given the rise of Linux. This increase could lead to higher prices for gaming handhelds and PCs, particularly for smaller manufacturers like Ayaneo, while larger companies and partnership devices like the ROG Ally X may be less affected. The author suggests this could further incentivize a shift towards Linux-based operating systems like SteamOS for gaming devices.
SteamOS beta update brings support to more gaming handhelds
Valve has released a beta update for SteamOS that expands gamepad support to a variety of third-party gaming handhelds, including unspecified MSI and OneXPlayer models, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, Konkr FIT, and AYANEO Pocket S2. This update aims to improve the user experience for those installing SteamOS on devices beyond the official Steam Deck, offering potential benefits like better battery life and faster UI navigation, though some multiplayer games may not be compatible due to anti-cheat software limitations.
Valve has added 'initial' SteamOS gamepad support for several new gaming handhelds, including the MSI Claw 8…
Valve has added initial gamepad support for several new gaming handhelds in the latest SteamOS Beta update. Devices like the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, Ayaneo Pocket S2, Konkr Fit, and OneXPlayer Apex now have improved compatibility. This update signifies Valve's ongoing efforts to enhance SteamOS support for a wider range of PC gaming hardware.
'We're interested in having the whole PC catalog as our 'launch exclusive'': Valve talks exclusives and the advantages of an open platform
Valve engineer Yazan Aldehayyat stated that the company is more interested in having the entire PC catalog as a 'launch exclusive' rather than restricting games to specific hardware. Valve aims to grow the PC platform by maintaining an open spirit, allowing other manufacturers to innovate with devices like the Steam Machine and handhelds such as the Lenovo Legion Go.
Steam Machine compatibility checks are here, though not every game on the store enjoys a rating
Valve has introduced Steam Machine compatibility checks to game store pages, allowing users to see how titles perform on the SteamOS platform. While many games are rated, some, like Black Myth: Wukong, are still listed as unknown due to ongoing evaluation or performance concerns. Users can also run SteamOS on alternative hardware like the Lenovo Legion Go S.
‘Lies about driver support’: Valve now lets you install Windows 11 on a Steam Machine, but many people…
Valve has released official Windows 11 drivers for the Steam Machine, allowing users to install Microsoft's operating system on the console-like PC. However, the article argues against this, citing potential performance degradation due to Windows 11's heavier nature compared to SteamOS, and Valve's historically poor track record with Windows driver updates for its devices.
Valve has released Windows drivers for the Steam machine, y'know for the three people who managed to buy one and…
Valve has released official Windows drivers for the Steam Machine, allowing users to switch from SteamOS to Microsoft's operating system. This move aims to increase game compatibility, particularly for online shooters, though dual-booting is not yet supported. Users will need an Ethernet connection for initial Windows product key entry as Wi-Fi drivers are installed later.
Valve updates SteamOS to improve your WiFi download speeds, and it's available on Steam Deck with a couple of caveats
Valve has released SteamOS version 3.8.14, which addresses an issue that limited WiFi download speeds on devices connected to routers that incorrectly advertise their MCS requirements. A beta version, 3.8.22, is available for Steam Deck owners through the Beta and Preview channels.
It’s Surprisingly Easy To Customize SteamOS
This article explains how to customize SteamOS, highlighting Decky Loader as an easy tool for enhancing the user experience. It suggests that modifying the operating system is surprisingly straightforward for PC users.
The latest SteamOS beta update includes a performance boost for GPUs with limited VRAM, though devices with iGPUs…
The latest SteamOS beta update introduces a performance enhancement for GPUs with limited VRAM, benefiting devices like the Steam Machine. This optimization, developed by independent contractor Natalie Vock in collaboration with Valve, addresses issues with Linux's handling of VRAM allocation and usage, particularly impacting discrete GPUs. The changes aim to reduce stutters and performance stalls by improving how data is managed between dedicated VRAM and the Graphics Translation Table (GTT).
Is SteamOS ready to replace Windows? I installed it so you don’t have to
This article explores whether SteamOS is a viable replacement for Windows in PC gaming. Despite its potential for a console-like experience, the author found that SteamOS is still in beta for most systems and requires significant technical expertise to install and troubleshoot, particularly concerning driver support and networking issues. While it may appeal to DIY enthusiasts, it is not yet ready for the average gamer.
Something for the Weekend – 27/06/26
This week's gaming news was dominated by Grand Theft Auto 6, with pre-orders going live and details about the Ultimate Edition and digital-only physical copies revealed. Other news includes Bungie layoffs, SteamOS availability on PCs, and price increases for Xbox Series consoles. Several games received reviews, including Zero Parades: For Dead Spies and Gothic 1 Remake, while previews were offered for Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy.
Valve Releases SteamOS So Anyone Can Make A Steam Machine Now
Valve has released SteamOS 3.8, making its Linux-based operating system available for all hardware configurations, allowing users to convert their existing PCs into Steam Machines. While discrete AMD GPU support is available now, Nvidia support is still in development. The Steam Machine hardware is set to go on sale on June 30.
Valve greenlights SteamOS installs on normal PCs with AMD GPUs, so you can go make your own Steam Machine if you…
Valve has officially greenlit the installation of SteamOS on standard PCs, provided they are equipped with AMD GPUs. This update, version 3.8, allows users to install the same operating system found on Steam Machines onto their own hardware, though support for other GPU manufacturers is pending. Previously, users could manually install older versions, but this marks Valve's official endorsement and aims to simplify the process for AMD users.
'Going to make myself stick with SteamOS instead of slithering back to Windows': gamers get ready to abandon Windows 11, as Valve focuses on boosting SteamOS on the desktop
Valve is actively improving SteamOS to enhance compatibility with desktop hardware and Nvidia GPUs, aiming to make it a viable alternative to Windows 11 for PC gamers. These efforts are prompting some users to consider switching from Windows 11, despite Nvidia support not being available this year. While SteamOS adoption is still niche, Valve's progress could eventually challenge Windows' dominance in PC gaming.
Steam Machine pricing starts at $1,049 for 512GB model
Valve's Steam Machine, a SteamOS-based console/PC hybrid, is now available for pre-order starting at $1,049 for the 512GB model. The pricing reflects its hybrid nature and is influenced by AI-driven component shortages. Valve aims for an open ecosystem, unlike the traditional console model of selling hardware at a loss.
