Steam users have long wondered when Valve would make SteamDeck's custom Linux distribution available for other devices. While the company has yet to reveal its software roadmap, new internal guidance provides the latest evidence that those plans are making progress. Interestingly, this development coincides with Samsung's new patent for a Linux-based handheld gaming device.
Valve's new logo and "Powered by SteamOS" branding guidelines mention other devices, suggesting that the SteamDeck may soon no longer be the only hardware running Valve's custom Linux distribution. Bringing the operating system to other PCs could loosen Microsoft's grip on PC gaming.
Page 16 of Valve's latest internal document outlines devices that come pre-installed with SteamOS and can boot the gaming-oriented operating system directly. Although Valve has previously confirmed its intention to make SteamOS available on more PCs, it's still unclear whether the company will license the distribution to hardware manufacturers or release it as a free download to all PC users.
A SteamOS beta released earlier this year contained code that mentioned ASUS ROGAlly, one of SteamDeck's most popular Windows-based competitors. It's not surprising to see Linux distributions making their way to Ally and other handheld devices.
Additionally, leaked renders of a potential successor to SteamController hint at a revival of Valve's abandoned SteamMachines plans, which could go into mass production within months.
SteamOS and similar projects like Bazzite simplify the process of managing and launching PC games with a controller, providing an experience closer to that of a console without compromising the flexibility of a PC. They also solve common Windows-related issues such as driver updates and shader compilation issues.
Recent reports have also highlighted Valve's continued interest in virtual reality and Arm-based systems. The new guidelines devote several pages to SteamVR, and leaked controller designs for a rumored standalone SteamVR headset have surfaced alongside renders of SteamController 2.
Meanwhile, well-known leaker "Jukanlosreve" claims that Samsung has recently started developing Linux Vulkan drivers for its Arm-based Xclipse GPUs. Earlier leaks suggested Valve was working on ArmLinux, while a patent filed by Samsung last month described a foldable handheld gaming device.
While the patent lacks software details, and patents don't always lead to commercial products, it broadens the possibilities for SteamOS to appear in the future.