Key Takeaways
1. Valve is likely to publicly release SteamOS beyond the Steam Deck, supported by recent code changes linked to a new hardware category called “Jupiter.”
2. The code updates suggest Valve is preparing SteamOS for third-party devices, with Lenovo’s Legion Go S expected to be the first non-Valve product to use it.
3. There is potential for SteamOS to support a wider range of hardware, possibly including ARM devices, as Arch Linux works on enhancing compatibility.
4. Wine’s recent updates for ARM compatibility strengthen the idea that SteamOS may gain broader support for ARM architecture in the future.
5. With SteamOS as a Linux-based gaming alternative, Valve could become a strong competitor to Windows in the gaming market, especially with emerging handheld gaming devices.
New information indicates that the public release of SteamOS by Valve, extending beyond the Steam Deck (currently priced at $598.99 on Amazon), could be imminent. A recent tweet from XR project manager and recognized industry figure @SadlyItsBradley has provided support for this assertion, featuring what looks like code changes linked to “Jupiter,” which might be a name for a new hardware category separate from the Steam Deck.
Code Adjustments Indicate Expansion
The code modifications suggest that Valve is updating SteamOS for devices other than its own portable console. This discovery comes at a time that aligns with earlier announcements from CES 2025, where Valve confirmed intentions to offer SteamOS to third-party device makers. Lenovo’s Legion Go S is anticipated to be the first non-Valve product to incorporate SteamOS, with a launch expected in May 2025. @SadlyItsBradley also pointed out that Valve has been actively making multiple commits as part of the preparations for a public launch of SteamOS, initially targeting handheld PCs.
Broader Hardware Support Possible
If we’re being optimistic, we might even consider the potential for broader hardware compatibility, possibly including ARM devices. In May 2024, Arch Linux started its journey toward supporting ARM and RISC-V via a test project known as ‘Arch Linux Ports,’ working with port maintainers for enhanced hardware compatibility. While this doesn’t serve as a direct confirmation, it raises the possibility that SteamOS could unofficially support ARM devices down the line. As noted in previous reports, Valve has been looking into ARM64 support for Steam games, particularly related to its anticipated standalone VR headset, Deckard. Should SteamOS and Proton receive more ARM support, it could lead to greater adoption on platforms that are not x86.
Wine’s Developments Boost Speculations
Further fueling these speculations, Wine 10.0 has recently rolled out enhanced ARM compatibility, including the ability to support ARM64EC architecture and an x86 emulation interface. Given that Proton is developed upon Wine, this makes the idea of SteamOS gaining broader ARM support a more likely scenario.
Traditionally, Windows has been the leading operating system in the gaming realm due to its extensive compatibility with gaming hardware and software. Nevertheless, with SteamOS offering a Linux-based alternative tailored for gaming, Valve might be setting itself up as a formidable rival to Windows in the gaming market, especially with rumors of an upcoming Xbox gaming handheld in the works.
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