SteamOS

SteamOS represents a customized version of a Linux operating system (OS), developed by Valve for their Steam Deck handheld console. Originally, it was built upon Debian, but transitioned to Arch Linux when the device went live in 2022. Its user interface closely resembles Steam’s “Big Picture” mode, initially designed for easier PC gaming on large-screen TVs. However, it has the ability to switch to a conventional desktop UI, which is based on KDE Plasma.

On the other hand, it has been optimized to work smoothly on different screen sizes and prioritizes controller input over the traditional mouse and keyboard setup. Although SteamOS was initially designed for AMD hardware, it has broadened its compatibility with the release of the Steam Deck and more recently, the Lenovo Legion Go S. It can function effectively with NVIDIA and Intel Arc graphics, but the results may vary.

SteamOS varies significantly from Windows 11 as it’s an immutable operating system, which means users are unable to alter or replace its fundamental system files. Furthermore, while Valve’s Proton translation layer can attempt to run software designed for Windows, the stability of these applications isn’t always assured, and some essential components such as anti-cheat software may still experience incompatibility issues—making certain multiplayer games unplayable.

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2025-03-24 19:10