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Valve expands SteamOS support to more non-Valve hardware

Created at 10 Aug · 4:06 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Valve's latest SteamOS beta update adds initial gamepad support for MSI's Claw 8 EX AI+ and Ayaneo's Pocket S2, alongside improved compatibility for other handheld gaming PCs. This indicates continued efforts to broaden SteamOS functionality beyond Valve's own hardware.

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Key Numbers

3.8.25SteamOS beta version

Who's Involved

Valve
Developer of SteamOS and gaming hardware
MSI
Manufacturer of the Claw 8 EX AI+ handheld
Ayaneo
Manufacturer of the Pocket S2 handheld
Valve expands SteamOS support to more non-Valve hardware

↳ Why This Matters

Valve's continued expansion of SteamOS support to third-party hardware indicates a strategic effort to broaden the reach of its Linux-based gaming operating system, potentially challenging the dominance of Windows in the handheld PC gaming market.

Key facts

  • SteamOS 3.8.25 Beta adds initial gamepad support for MSI's Claw 8 EX AI+ and Ayaneo's Pocket S2.
  • The update also improves support for older MSI Claw devices and the OneXPlayer line.
  • Valve has updated the Linux driver for the Steam Controller to work with native applications without Steam running.
  • This follows a June update that focused on improved compatibility with Intel and AMD platforms.

Valve is gradually increasing SteamOS compatibility with a wider range of non-Valve hardware through its beta updates. The latest release, SteamOS 3.8.25 Beta, introduces initial gamepad support for several new gaming handhelds, including MSI's Claw 8 EX AI+ and Ayaneo's Pocket S2. This update signifies Valve's ongoing commitment to supporting Intel-based handhelds, as seen with the inclusion of the MSI Claw line.

In addition to new device support, the update provides improved compatibility for existing devices such as older MSI Claw models and the OneXPlayer series. This follows a similar update in June that focused on enhancing support for recent Intel and AMD platforms across various manufacturers like GPD Win, Anbernic, and OrangePi.

While the Lenovo Legion Go S is currently the only non-Valve device to officially carry the "powered by SteamOS" branding, these regular updates suggest Valve's continued interest in ensuring its operating system functions well on a diverse array of hardware. Furthermore, the new SteamOS update includes an enhancement to the Steam Controller's Linux driver, enabling it to function with native controller applications even when Steam is not actively running. This improvement is particularly beneficial for users who utilize Desktop mode for emulators or other non-Steam Linux games.

Frequently asked questions

SteamOS is a Linux-based operating system developed by Valve, designed primarily for gaming on PC hardware, especially handheld gaming devices.

The update adds initial gamepad support for MSI's Claw 8 EX AI+ and Ayaneo's Pocket S2, with improved support for older MSI Claw and OneXPlayer devices.

It shows Valve's commitment to making SteamOS compatible with a wider range of processors, not just AMD, which is crucial for broader adoption.

What Happens Next

01Valve may continue to add support for more non-Valve hardware in future SteamOS updates.
02Further driver improvements for controllers and other peripherals are expected.

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Cadence

How It Developed

Valve released SteamOS 3.8.25 Beta with expanded hardware support.
The update includes initial gamepad support for MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ and Ayaneo Pocket S2.
Improved support was added for older MSI Claw devices and OneXPlayer line.
The Linux driver for the Steam Controller was updated for native application compatibility.
Valve continues to work on broader SteamOS compatibility for non-Valve devices.

Sources

T1
Valve slowly expands SteamOS support on non-Valve hardwarevar abtest_2166809 = new ABTest(2166809, 'impression');Ars Technica

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