SteamOS continues its slow spread across the PC gaming landscape

SteamOS is steadily making its presence felt in the predominantly Windows-driven PC gaming sector. During this week's CES event, Lenovo unveiled plans to launch a version of its premium Legion Go 2 handheld gaming device, which will come pre-installed with Valve's Linux-based gaming operating system. This model is set to hit the market in June. The announcement is part of a broader trend where Valve seeks to expand the reach of SteamOS beyond its own hardware. Lenovo was the first third-party manufacturer to support this alternative OS, having introduced a lower-end version of the Legion Go compatible with SteamOS about a year ago. Initial testing revealed that this earlier model outperformed its Windows counterpart in many popular titles. In addition to the new Legion Go 2, Valve is working to broaden SteamOS's compatibility. Following the introduction of the SteamOS Compatible software label last May, the release of version 3.7 has allowed for manual installations on AMD-powered devices, including the ROG Ally and the original Legion Go. The inclusion of the upgraded Legion Go 2 provides a robust option for gamers who prefer SteamOS, enabling them to invest in high-quality, pre-assembled handheld gaming devices rather than constructing their own systems from various components. The Legion Go 2 will be equipped with impressive specifications, featuring a Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor similar to that found in the ROG Ally X, along with 32GB of LPDDR5X memory and an 8.8-inch 1920×1200 OLED display. However, it comes with a significant price tag of $1,199. Despite the gradual expansion of SteamOS among AMD hardware, the platform still faces challenges due to limited compatibility with Arm-based devices. This could soon change, as Valve's upcoming Steam Frame VR headset is expected to feature a version of SteamOS tailored specifically for Arm architecture, indicating a promising future for the OS in diverse gaming environments.