1. Proton 11.0-Beta 1 introduces ARM64 support, enabling running Steam on devices like the Nintendo Switch and newer ARM-based handhelds.
2. The update includes FEX-2604 for ARM64EC, though older kernels, such as on the first-gen Switch, limit its effectiveness for gaming.
3. Valve primarily released this beta to support the upcoming Steam Deck-style device, Steam Frame, with improved compatibility and certification for select titles.
Proton 11.0-Beta 1: New ARM64 Support For Steaming on Multiple Devices
There is a fresh Proton update, and even tho Valve made it as a beta, it has some major changes. This version, labeled 11.0-Beta 1, has added ARM64 support, which’s a big deal for folks wanting to run Steam on ARM devices like the Nintendo Switch 1. And, already, a modder has shown that you can get Steam working on this dated handheld gaming device. Pretty cool, huh?
Running Windows Games On Switch Gets Easier
While folks have already been trying to run Windows games on the first-gen Switch, this beta makes it alot easier to do. A user known as @aagaming.me on BlueSky haven’t tried playing Windows games just yet, but they’ve demonstrated that the Steam Linux ARM64 beta works smooth on the old Switch (costs about $213.49 refurnished on Amazon). This’s promising for those wanna play on the small device.
Technical Details & Limitations
The update includes features like FEX-2604 meant for ARM64EC builds, but the first-gen Switch has an outdated kernel that’s not compatible. So, modders may need to wait longer for the mainline kernel updates before they see a big change in gaming performance. It’s a step forward, but still some hurdles for now.
Broader Impact for Handhelds & New Devices
And it’s not just the Switch – newer ARM handhelds like the Retroid Pocket 6 could benefit from this too. @aagaming.me shared a version of Proton ARM & Steamrt ARM, which can be used with Compatibilitytools.d to run games within the Steam beta client. This could be a huge upgrade compared to other apps like GameHub or GameNative, offering more seamless gaming experience on ARM devices.
Valve’s Focus on The Steam Frame & Compatibility Enhancements
This upgrade mainly seems targeted at the upcoming Steam Frame, a new gaming headset with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 inside. It’s supposed to work independently as a gaming device and run lots of games with these new compatibility layers. Not just for handhelds anymore, Valve aims to expand ARM support across different platforms.
Playable Titles & Bug Fixes
The beta also marks some titles as playable—like Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil, and Warhammer: Vermintide 2. Plus, Valve included various bug fixes, details for which you can check on their Proton GitHub release notes. Overall, these updates hint at a brighter future for Linux gaming on ARM devices, although some limitations still remain for certain hardware.