At CES 2025, Lenovo unveiled plans to launch a handheld gaming device, the Legion Go S powered by SteamOS this year. However, it won’t be the sole portable gaming device utilizing this operating system. Following updates to its SteamOS guidelines, Valve has made it clear that third-party hardware can use SteamOS as well. Consequently, we expect a range of officially shipped SteamOS devices from different manufacturers, including potential rivals to the Steam Deck.
In summary, while the expansion of SteamOS to various devices can bring about many positive aspects, there are also potential complications worth considering. Let me elaborate on two benefits and two drawbacks of this development.
Advantages:
1. Broader accessibility: More devices supporting SteamOS means that more people will have access to the vast library of games available on the platform.
2. Cross-platform compatibility: As more devices adopt the same operating system, users will be able to play their favorite games seamlessly across different platforms without any technical hassles.
Disadvantages:
1. Potential hardware limitations: Different devices may have varying hardware specifications, which could lead to inconsistent performance and user experience when playing certain games.
2. Risk of fragmentation: If too many devices support SteamOS, there might be a lack of standardization, leading to fragmentation within the platform and potential compatibility issues.
In conclusion, while the expansion of SteamOS is generally beneficial, it’s essential to consider these potential drawbacks to ensure that the user experience remains consistent and enjoyable for everyone.
Pro 1: Better hardware options than Steam Deck
The Steam Deck made its debut in February 2022, possibly as a reaction to the phenomenal popularity of the Nintendo Switch. This implies that this year marks its third anniversary. Given the breakneck pace of technology advancement during the 2000s, it’s not surprising that hardware can become outdated or obsolete in just a few short months. Although the Steam Deck wasn’t exactly a powerhouse, it was instrumental in initiating the market for portable PC gaming devices with its launch.
Three years down the line, we find Windows-based handheld competition from brands like Lenovo, ASUS, MSI, Acer, and others emerging. Despite this, the Steam Deck continues to hold its popularity due to being one of the most affordable options with a user-friendly interface. However, many competing devices now boast more advanced hardware. Now that SteamOS can be distributed beyond just the Steam Deck, users can continue enjoying the streamlined operating system and potentially access games that the Steam Deck might struggle to run smoothly.
Reflecting on the guides I’ve penned, you’ll notice instances where a graphically intensive game struggles to run smoothly or even fails entirely on the Steam Deck. In contrast, these same games perform admirably on the ROG Ally or Legion Go. If we were to equip our handheld with SteamOS and superior hardware, this performance disparity might become a thing of the past.
Sure enough, individuals at ease have discovered methods to set up this operating system on any portable device not originally equipped with it. In fact, you could configure your portable device to dual boot between SteamOS and Windows. Moreover, Valve is planning to officially support running SteamOS on competing hardware like ROG Ally, making it simpler than ever for owners of different handhelds to utilize the Linux-based operating system.
Pro 2: More options to choose from with competition pushing design quality
Another strength I have is an extension of the initial point I made, and it’s significant enough to warrant separate consideration.
Beyond the possibility of superior hardware compared to the Steam Deck, introducing additional official SteamOS devices broadens our options as consumers. Maybe you’re seeking a device with top-notch performance at an affordable price, or perhaps you’re willing to splurge on a high-performance handheld that outshines the rest. In any case, there might be a “SteamOS-powered” handheld that best suits your unique requirements.
Additionally, rivalry sparks advancement. Until recently, the Steam Deck was the sole official device running SteamOS. However, Valve’s decision to let third-party OEMs (manufacturers) into the game means we can expect increased competition in the “SteamOS-powered” market. More competitors will strive to make their devices more attractive than their rivals. Ideally, this will result in a handheld SteamOS device that boasts unique conveniences and features that truly set it apart from the rest.
Con 1: This might mean there won’t be a Steam Deck 2
In the realm of portable devices, Nintendo enthusiasts are eagerly looking forward to the upcoming Switch 2, following its recent announcement. On the other hand, Valve has yet to even hint at the possibility of a Steam Deck 2. The only definite information is that a future Steam Deck won’t feature an AMD Ryzen Z2 chip. Some fans are already bracing themselves for the possibility that there may never be a Steam Deck 2.
Valve doesn’t necessarily have to create a Steam Deck 2, as the first device effectively demonstrated that portable PC gaming is possible. In fact, it may have even inspired more game developers to focus on PC development instead of console development over the past year. Now, if Valve chooses to do so, they can simply observe as other manufacturers produce devices running SteamOS. These products will continue to attract players to Steam, allowing Valve to generate revenue solely from game sales. Given their financial status, Valve is well-off, earning more per employee than companies like Facebook, Apple, and Microsoft.
Valve probably doesn’t need to make a new Steam Deck because the original one showed that handheld PC gaming works. It might have also encouraged developers to create more PC games instead of console games during the past year. If Valve wants, they can just let other companies produce devices with SteamOS, which will bring players to Steam. Valve could then make money from selling games since they’re already quite wealthy compared to firms like Facebook, Apple, and Microsoft.
Previously, Valve has introduced similar hardware and accessories. Typically, they launch products like Steam Link, Steam Machines, or other devices, only to stop producing new ones (although it appears they are still developing a new Steam Controller). Consequently, the expansion of SteamOS to additional hardware raises the strong possibility that there may never be a sequel to the Steam Deck.
Con 2: Community fragmentation
The Steam Deck boasts a highly dedicated and faithful community of fans who enthusiastically exchange suggestions for upgrades, problem-solving strategies, personalized case designs, and numerous other topics. Should anyone encounter difficulties, it’s effortless for them to converse about their predicament with others owning the identical hardware.
With SteamOS expanding to various devices, users may discover they need to seek out smaller, specialized communities made up of individuals using the same specific device, to find solutions for their unique issues. In essence, the close-knit Steam Deck community might fragment into separate SteamOS subgroups if other non-Steam Deck handhelds running SteamOS become popular and lack a clear leader. While this isn’t necessarily a negative development, it could potentially dilute the sense of camaraderie currently experienced within the Steam Deck community.
SteamOS is bringing changes to handhelds
It’s certain that with an increasing number of companies capable of manufacturing hardware that supports SteamOS, we’ll witness heightened competition and a wider variety of potent choices available for selection.
It’s plausible that one handheld gaming device powered by SteamOS could stand out as the preferred choice among gamers. Yet, it’s also conceivable that the community of Steam Deck users splinters into smaller groups, losing the large, unified communication they once had. I would feel disappointed if a Steam Deck 2 doesn’t materialize, but there is an argument to be made that its predecessor has already fulfilled its purpose and may not require a sequel.
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2025-02-02 18:09