The dominance of Microsoft in the PC gaming industry has been facing several threats and challenges as SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system by Valve is now set to expand to more hardware platforms.
This shift has enabled the manufacturers to create gaming devices and products that offer a console-like experience without relying on the Windows OS. Windows OS needs various non-gaming features that consume system resources, but SteamOS is solely made for gaming and delivering improved performance and efficiency.
According to the officials, the SteamOS beta could be available to download to the handheld gaming devices like Lenovo Legion Go S, SteamDecks, and other devices too within April 2025. Along with that Valve is also working on making the SteamOS available on more device including PCs.
The Steam Deck uses SteamOS which is easy to buy, install and play PC games, unlike other gaming PCs that run on Windows. This has helped the SteamDeck stand out and gain popularity as the success of portable gaming has been challenging Microsoft’s dominance in PC gaming.
SteamOS makes installing and running games very easy just like using a console. Many other companies have made powerful devices that run on Windows but are harder to use than SteamOS.
Microsoft has missed a big chance in the handheld gaming market that is already getting popular due to the release of new handheld gaming devices. While Valve has created the Steam Deck with simple SteamOS which is game-focused, Microsoft did not make a simple and lightweight version of Windows that can work well on gaming devices.
Now SteamOS is becoming one of the go-to platforms for handheld PCs as Lenovo has announced its upcoming Legion Go S to be powered by SteamOs at CES 2025. Also, Valve has been shortly allowing third-party handheld devices to license SteamOS soon. It means that Valve will allow SteamOS on other devices too.
