Valve delivers the Steam Deck equipped with SteamOS, a Linux distribution based on Debian. This gaming handheld functions much like any standard PC, allowing it to support common operating systems. While Windows operates smoothly on the device, user @whatdahopper has made history by demonstrating macOS Sequoia running on the Steam Deck.
A Collaborative Effort
According to @whatdahopper, a team worked together to enable the Steam Deck to run Apple’s newest desktop OS. However, right now, installing macOS Sequoia on the device is not particularly useful. There's currently no GPU acceleration available, but the team is optimistic that this will change once the iGPU kext (kernel extension) for AMD Van Gogh is released.
Future Possibilities
This release might come sooner than expected, as macOS already supports RDNA 2. Once that happens, the Steam Deck could transform into a legitimate portable Hackintosh. Nonetheless, it’s important to note that using Sequoia on the Steam Deck for gaming isn't advisable, given that the gaming library on macOS isn’t as robust as what you’ll find on Windows or Linux.
In the end, with the right iGPU support on the Steam Deck, it might become a mobile substitute for a MacBook (the base 2023 MacBook Pro is currently priced at $1,299 on Amazon). However, @whatdahopper has pointed out that getting macOS Sequoia to run on this device is more challenging than simply installing Windows, which is something to keep in mind if you're considering the Mac operating system for your gaming handheld.
