Valve has officially released SteamOS 3.7, which is a big step forward in the development of its Linux-based game operating system. Previous versions worked well with the Steam Deck, but this new one works with a wider range of third-party AMD-powered handhelds and desktops.
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Broader Hardware Support Beyond the Steam Deck
SteamOS 3.7 adds official support for devices other than Valve’s own Steam Deck. The Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and Legion Go S all feature complete or better compatibility, which is a big deal. Valve says that right now, the Steam Deck and the Legion Go S are the only devices that fully support SteamOS. But other devices that use AMD’s Ryzen Z1 or Z2-series processors can now expect basic functioning.
For AMD-based system users who used to have to rely on community-led efforts like Bazzite to get a SteamOS-like experience, this is a game-changer. Valve is now giving a more official and polished experience straight from the source.
Key Requirements for SteamOS Installation
Valve has listed two main things you need to do before you can install SteamOS 3.7 on your hardware:
- AMD-based system: This contains the AMD CPU, GPU, and chipset parts of an AMD-based system. It is also a good idea to use integrated RZ-series Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules.
- NVMe SSD: This is necessary for the best performance and compatibility.
Users also need to turn off Secure Boot in the system BIOS, which is a function that is usually turned on by default when Windows 11 is installed. Valve gives a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to make a bootable USB drive using Rufus (for Windows) or Balena Etcher (for macOS and Linux). This makes it easier for experienced users to install the software.
It’s crucial to note, though, that SteamOS doesn’t currently have an easy or supported way to dual-boot with Windows. When you install SteamOS, your device will basically become a Steam Machine. You need to turn Secure Boot back on and run a fresh installation from a USB drive to get back to Windows.
Under-the-Hood Upgrades in SteamOS 3.7.8
This most recent upgrade isn’t only about hardware support. In addition to several system changes, SteamOS 3.7.8 also adds.
- Linux Kernel 6.11 (up from 6.5)
- New basis for Arch Linux
- Version 6.2.5 of the Plasma desktop
- Mesa graphics drivers that work better
- Different fixes for bugs and performance improvements
These updates make the OS more stable, compatible, and generally better, whether you’re using it in gaming mode or desktop mode.
A New Era for SteamOS
SteamOS has come a long way since it first came out. At first, it had trouble because there weren’t many Linux-native games available, and not many people bought the hardware. The Steam Deck was a hit, and Valve is now focusing on fixing the compatibility issue first. This has given the firm a stronger base to build on for SteamOS as a real gaming platform.
SteamOS isn’t quite ready to replace general-purpose operating systems like Windows yet, mostly because it doesn’t have good support for Intel and Nvidia graphics cards. However, it is quickly becoming a good choice for gaming computers that use AMD processors. SteamOS 3.7 is a simplified, performance-focused operating system for people who care more about gaming than multitasking and getting things done.
Final Thoughts
Valve is showing that it cares about the whole PC gaming environment by releasing SteamOS 3.7. This update opens up new possibilities for gamers who want a console-like experience on portable and desktop AMD systems, even though it’s still in its early stages for devices that don’t use Steam Deck.
SteamOS could soon be a great choice for gamers who want to get away from standard Windows installations as more developers back Valve’s compatibility efforts.
