SteamOS Update Unlocks Steam Machine & Third-Party Hardware
▼ Summary
– Valve’s Steam Machine and related hardware are delayed due to high costs and shortages of memory/storage chips, largely because AI data centers are consuming the supply.
– Despite hardware delays, Valve continues software development, releasing the SteamOS 3.8.0 preview update with support for upcoming Steam Machines.
– The update incorporates major upstream Linux improvements, including a new Arch Linux base, updated graphics driver, Linux kernel 6.16, and a KDE Plasma desktop using Wayland.
– These changes enhance compatibility with recent Intel and AMD hardware platforms and improve support for third-party controller accessories.
– The update also better supports newer AMD chips and third-party gaming handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and the Intel-powered MSI Claw.
While component shortages continue to challenge the production of Valve’s Steam Machine desktop, the company is pushing forward with significant software advancements. The newly released SteamOS 3.8.0 preview brings a host of improvements, not just for the Steam Deck but also for a growing ecosystem of third-party gaming handhelds and other PC hardware. This update notably includes initial support for upcoming Steam Machine hardware, signaling Valve’s ongoing commitment to its broader PC gaming platform despite current manufacturing hurdles.
The core of this update stems from integrating the latest upstream Linux developments. Valve has rebuilt the operating system on a new Arch Linux base and incorporated version 6.16 of the Linux kernel. A refreshed graphics driver stack and a shift to the Wayland protocol for the KDE Plasma desktop environment further modernize the system’s foundation. These technical upgrades translate to tangible benefits for users, offering improved compatibility with recent Intel and AMD platforms.
This enhanced compatibility extends to a wider range of hardware. The update refines support for various third-party controller accessories and newer AMD chipsets, including the Ryzen Z2 Extreme. Crucially, it better accommodates popular third-party gaming handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally, different models of the Lenovo Legion Go, and the Intel-powered MSI Claw. This move solidifies SteamOS’s role as a versatile software platform beyond Valve’s own hardware, fostering a more open gaming handheld ecosystem.
(Source: Ars Technica)
