Valve’s SteamOS 3.7 marks a significant step forward, extending its reach beyond the Steam Deck to a wider array of handheld devices and AMD-powered PCs. This update aims to provide a streamlined gaming experience on various hardware configurations, bringing the Steam Deck’s user-friendly interface to more devices. With official and improved support for devices like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, SteamOS is positioning itself as a viable alternative for dedicated gaming systems.
The focus on AMD-based hardware ensures a level of compatibility and performance optimization that aligns with the Steam Deck’s architecture. This move could potentially revitalize the Steam Machine concept, offering a dedicated gaming OS that’s easier to install and use than previous iterations. By addressing game compatibility and hardware support, Valve is creating a stronger foundation for SteamOS in the broader PC gaming landscape.
This article explores the key features of SteamOS 3.7, the supported hardware, the installation process, and the potential implications for the future of PC gaming operating systems. Discover how this update could transform your gaming experience and breathe new life into your older hardware.
What’s New in SteamOS 3.7?
SteamOS 3.7 introduces several enhancements and new features, primarily focusing on expanding hardware support and improving system performance. According to Valve, this release officially supports specific handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, with the Lenovo Legion Go S having fully baked SteamOS support. This means optimized performance and compatibility right out of the box.
The update also extends to other AMD-powered handhelds and PCs, suggesting broader compatibility for Ryzen Z1 and Z2-series processors. While community-maintained distributions like Bazzite previously offered a SteamOS-like experience, this update provides official support directly from Valve, ensuring a more stable and integrated experience. Valve also announced updates on compatibility information.
In addition to expanded hardware support, SteamOS 3.7 includes:
- Linux kernel 6.11 (up from 6.5)
- A newer Arch Linux base
- Plasma interface 6.2.5 in desktop mode
- New Mesa graphics drivers
- Various bug fixes and tweaks
These updates collectively contribute to improved system stability, performance, and compatibility, making SteamOS a more attractive option for a wider range of users.
Supported Hardware: AMD-Only, For Now
The primary requirement for running SteamOS 3.7 is AMD hardware, encompassing the CPU, GPU, and chipset. While Valve’s focus is on AMD-based systems, this limitation ensures optimized performance and compatibility with the SteamOS environment. Andrew Cunningham of Ars Technica notes, “If you want there to be a chance that your desktop or laptop will work with SteamOS, it will have to be all-AMD on the inside.”
Valve also specifies the need for an NVMe SSD for installation. Additionally, users must disable Secure Boot in their PC’s BIOS settings to install SteamOS. Since Secure Boot is typically enabled by default, users should consult their manufacturer’s documentation for instructions on disabling it.
Supported hardware includes:
- ASUS ROG Ally
- Lenovo Legion Go
- Lenovo Legion Go S (fully supported)
- Other AMD-powered handhelds with Ryzen Z1 or Z2-series processors
- All-AMD desktops and laptops
While Intel and Nvidia hardware are not currently supported, future updates may expand compatibility to include a broader range of systems.
Installing SteamOS 3.7: A Step-by-Step Guide
Installing SteamOS 3.7 involves downloading a recovery image and copying it to a USB drive. Valve recommends using Rufus on Windows or the built-in disk utility on macOS and Linux. After disabling Secure Boot, boot from the USB drive to begin the installation process.
Valve’s instructions outline the process of setting up the USB drive and installing SteamOS, similar to installing it on a regular Steam Deck. However, it’s important to note that there’s no officially supported method for dual-booting SteamOS and Windows. Switching back to Windows requires re-enabling Secure Boot and installing a fresh copy from another USB drive.
Installation steps include:
- Download the SteamOS recovery image from Valve’s website.
- Copy the image to a USB drive using Rufus or a similar utility.
- Disable Secure Boot in your PC’s BIOS settings.
- Boot from the USB drive.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install SteamOS.
Ensure you have backed up all important data before proceeding with the installation, as the process will erase the existing operating system.
Considerations and Limitations
While SteamOS 3.7 offers an enticing alternative for dedicated gaming systems, there are several limitations to consider. One major drawback is the lack of official support for dual-booting with Windows. Users must choose between SteamOS and Windows, making it less flexible for those who require both operating systems.
Another limitation is the exclusive focus on AMD hardware. Systems with Intel CPUs or Nvidia GPUs are not currently supported, restricting the pool of compatible devices. This may change in future updates, but for now, users with non-AMD systems will need to explore alternative solutions.
Additionally, Valve explicitly states that SteamOS should not be considered a replacement for a desktop operating system. Despite the presence of desktop mode, SteamOS is primarily designed for gaming, and lacks the general-purpose functionality of Windows or macOS. It’s essential to understand these limitations before making the switch.
A Second Act for SteamOS
The original version of SteamOS aimed for broad compatibility with all kinds of PC hardware but was limited by the small subset of games that natively supported Linux. This led to its lukewarm reception and eventual decline. However, the current version of SteamOS, launched with the Steam Deck, has found a much stronger foundation by focusing on game compatibility and hardware optimization.
By addressing the game compatibility problem first and leading with innovative hardware, Valve has created a more compelling ecosystem for SteamOS. As Andrew Cunningham notes, “by focusing on the game compatibility problem first and leading the way with category-defining hardware, Valve has actually built a much stronger foundation for the current version of SteamOS than it did for the original.”
While SteamOS may not be a drop-in replacement for Windows, it presents a viable option for systems primarily used as gaming PCs. With its user-friendly interface, streamlined gaming experience, and expanding hardware support, SteamOS is poised to make a significant impact on the PC gaming landscape.
Conclusion: The Future of SteamOS
SteamOS 3.7 represents a significant milestone in the evolution of Valve’s gaming operating system. By extending support to more handheld devices and AMD-powered PCs, SteamOS is becoming a more accessible and versatile platform for gamers. The update addresses key limitations of previous versions, offering improved performance, compatibility, and ease of use.
Despite its limitations, SteamOS holds tremendous potential for the future of PC gaming. As Valve continues to refine and expand the operating system, it could become a leading alternative to Windows for dedicated gaming systems. Whether you’re looking to breathe new life into older hardware or create a dedicated gaming machine, SteamOS 3.7 is worth considering.
With its focus on game compatibility, hardware optimization, and user-friendly interface, SteamOS is paving the way for a more streamlined and immersive gaming experience. As Valve continues to innovate and push the boundaries of PC gaming, the future of SteamOS looks brighter than ever.
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