
Valve Set To Release A SteamOS Beta For Multiple Devices
Valve has finally announced that they will be releasing a beta of SteamOS for multiple devices, following the launch of the Steam Deck in 2022. This move is seen as a significant step forward in the company’s efforts to bring their Linux-based operating system to a wider range of devices.
In a recent post, Valve confirmed that they will be shipping a beta version of SteamOS ahead of the Legion Go S’s release, which is set to officially launch in May for $499. The beta will reportedly improve the user experience on other devices beyond just the Steam Deck or the officially licensed Legion Go S model.
While no specific timeline has been provided for when the beta will be available, it’s likely that we’ll see it released before May 2025. This is due to the fact that Lenovo is set to launch a Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S this month, which features identical hardware to the SteamOS-powered model.
It’s highly likely that Valve will utilize the user base who purchase the Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S as beta testers, effectively crowdsourcing feedback and bug reports. This could potentially lead to an expedited release timeline for the beta.
As for which devices the SteamOS beta will support, it seems likely that handheld gaming devices with AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipsets, such as the Asus ROG Ally and ONEXPLAYER Mini Pro, will be included in the initial release. It’s also possible that other devices using similar hardware configurations may be supported.
On the other hand, it’s unlikely that we’ll see support for devices powered by Intel’s Lunar Lake chipset, such as the MSI Claw 8 AI+. Additionally, Valve has not yet made any announcements about supporting Nvidia-powered devices, so it remains to be seen if they will change their stance in the near future.
The release of a SteamOS beta for multiple devices is a significant step forward for Linux gaming and handheld console enthusiasts. It’s an exciting time for those interested in these technologies, as we may be on the verge of some truly groundbreaking developments.
Source: http://www.forbes.com