SteamOS

During a panel at LinuxCon on September 16, 2013, Valve co-founder and executive director Gabe Newell stated that he believed "Linux and open source are the future of gaming", going on to say that the company was aiding game developers who want to make games compatible with Linux, and that they would be making an announcement the following week related to introducing Linux into the living room.{{cite web |last=Vandell |first=Perry |date=September 16, 2013 |title=Gabe Newell: "Linux and open source are the future of gaming" |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/09/16/gabe-newell-linux-and-open-source-are-the-future-of-gaming/ |access-date=September 25, 2013 |work=PC Gamer |archive-date=November 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131124113604/http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/09/16/gabe-newell-linux-and-open-source-are-the-future-of-gaming/ |url-status=live }} On September 20, 2013, Valve posted a statement on its website titled The Steam Universe is Expanding in 2014 which teased three new announcements related to "even more ways to connect the dots for customers who want Steam in the living-room".{{cite web |last=Wilde |first=Tyler |date=September 20, 2013 |title=Three big Valve announcements coming next week, probably a Linux-based Steam Box |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/09/20/three-big-valve-announcements-coming-next-week-probably-a-linux-based-steam-box/ |access-date=September 25, 2013 |work=PC Gamer |archive-date=November 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131122194315/http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/09/20/three-big-valve-announcements-coming-next-week-probably-a-linux-based-steam-box/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=The Steam Universe is Expanding in 2014 |url=http://store.steampowered.com/livingroom/ |access-date=September 25, 2013 |archive-date=December 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206192018/http://store.steampowered.com/livingroom |url-status=live }} The first announcement was made on September 23 as SteamOS, with Valve saying they had "come to the conclusion that the environment best suited to delivering value to customers is an operating system built around Steam itself".{{cite web |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=September 23, 2013 |title=Valve reveals SteamOS |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/news/valve-reveals-steamos-6414851 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926171011/http://uk.gamespot.com/news/valve-reveals-steamos-6414851 |archive-date=September 26, 2013 |access-date=September 25, 2013 |work=GameSpot |df=mdy-all}} A large focus of the reveal was the openness of the operating system, with it being announced that users would be able to alter or replace any part of the software, and that it would be free.{{cite web |date=September 23, 2013 |title=SteamOS announced by Valve, a free operating system "available soon" for living room PCs |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/09/23/valve-announces-steamos/ |access-date=September 25, 2013 |work=PC Gamer |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203042144/http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/09/23/valve-announces-steamos |url-status=live }}

In October 2013, Valve announced Steam Dev Days; a two-day developer conference where video game developers could test and provide feedback on SteamOS and prototype Steam Machines.{{cite web |last=Grubb |first=Jeffrey |date=October 10, 2013 |title=Valve announces Steam Dev Days to give studios access to Steam OS, Steam Machines, and Steam Controller |url=https://venturebeat.com/2013/10/10/valve-announces-steam-dev-days-to-give-studios-access-to-steam-os-steam-machines-and-steam-controller/ |access-date=October 18, 2013 |work=Venture Beat |archive-date=October 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019123150/http://venturebeat.com/2013/10/10/valve-announces-steam-dev-days-to-give-studios-access-to-steam-os-steam-machines-and-steam-controller/ |url-status=live }} In October 2013, Nvidia also announced their collaboration with Valve to support SteamOS with the help of a development suite called Nvidia GameWorks, incorporating PhysX, OptiX, VisualFX and other Nvidia-proprietary APIs and implementations thereof.{{cite web |year=2013 |title=Nvidia announces GameWorks Program at Montreal 2013; supports SteamOS |url=http://gearnuke.com/nvidia-announces-gameworks-program-montreal-2013-supports-steamos/ |access-date=October 29, 2013 |publisher=NVIDIA |archive-date=December 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219080816/http://gearnuke.com/nvidia-announces-gameworks-program-montreal-2013-supports-steamos/ |url-status=live }}

In November 2013, Valve confirmed that they would not be making any exclusive games for SteamOS, and discouraged other developers from doing so, as it goes against their philosophy of selling games wherever customers are.{{cite web |last=Goldfarb |first=Andrew |date=November 4, 2013 |title=Valve Will Not Make Exclusive Games for SteamOS |url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/11/04/valve-will-not-make-exclusive-games-for-steamos |access-date=November 8, 2013 |work=IGN |archive-date=November 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113140102/http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/11/04/valve-will-not-make-exclusive-games-for-steamos |url-status=live }} In December, Valve announced that a beta version of SteamOS would be released on December 13, 2013.{{cite web |last=Hollister |first=Sean |date=December 11, 2013 |title=SteamOS will be available to download on December 13 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/12/11/5201030/steamos-will-be-available-to-download-on-december-13th |access-date=December 11, 2013 |work=The Verge |archive-date=December 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216135822/http://www.theverge.com/2013/12/11/5201030/steamos-will-be-available-to-download-on-december-13th |url-status=live }} When this beta version (dubbed SteamOS 1.0) released, Valve encouraged customers unfamiliar with Linux to wait until 2014, and the release of SteamOS 2.0.{{cite web |last=Wilde |first=Tyler |date=December 14, 2013 |title=Download SteamOS now — Valve's free Linux-based operating system releases |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/12/14/download-steamos/ |access-date=December 15, 2013 |work=PC Gamer |archive-date=December 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215184739/http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/12/14/download-steamos/ |url-status=live }}

Originally, video content such as television, movies and music were only available on SteamOS through Steam's store, which offered only a small number of films, or locally stored content. In October 2015, an update allowed Netflix and other DRM protected content to function in the native built-in browser.{{Cite web |title=By the beard of Zeus...Netflix on SteamOS via the native browser! :: Steam Universe |url=http://steamcommunity.com/groups/steamuniverse/discussions/1/490123727976152466/ |access-date=October 23, 2015 |website=steamcommunity.com |archive-date=October 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151025032528/http://steamcommunity.com/groups/steamuniverse/discussions/1/490123727976152466 |url-status=live }} SteamOS 2.0 installations recommended an Intel or AMD 64-bit capable processor, at least 4 gigabytes of RAM, 200 GB on one's hard disk, either an AMD Radeon 8500 or newer or an Nvidia Fermi graphics card (GeForce 400 series and GeForce 500 series) or newer,{{cite web |author=Michael Larabel |date=May 6, 2015 |title=SteamOS 159 Drops Support For NVIDIA's Pre-Fermi Graphics Cards |url=https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=SteamOS-159-NVIDIA-Drop |access-date=May 9, 2015 |website=phoronix.com |publisher=Phoronix |archive-date=May 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508145905/http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=SteamOS-159-NVIDIA-Drop |url-status=live }} a USB port and UEFI boot support.{{Cite web |title=Build your own Steam Machine |url=http://store.steampowered.com/steamos/buildyourown |publisher=Valve |access-date=January 15, 2014 |archive-date=January 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140115051147/http://store.steampowered.com/steamos/buildyourown |url-status=live }} A custom installer method was also made available through Valve's repositories, which could require additional configuration steps, allowing for smaller hard-disk sizes and non-UEFI motherboards.{{Cite web |title=Steam Community :: Group :: Steam Universe |url=http://steamcommunity.com/groups/steamuniverse/#announcements/detail/83663183294752597 |access-date=October 23, 2015 |website=steamcommunity.com |archive-date=March 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316090214/http://steamcommunity.com/groups/steamuniverse/#announcements/detail/83663183294752597 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=SteamOS Downloads |url=http://repo.steampowered.com/download |publisher=Valve |access-date=October 23, 2015 |archive-date=November 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122211405/http://repo.steampowered.com/download/ |url-status=live }}

In mid-October 2015, preorders of the Steam Controller,{{Cite web |title=Valve wants the Steam community to build its own controllers |url=https://www.engadget.com/2015/10/15/valve-wants-the-steam-community-to-build-its-own-controllers/ |access-date=October 23, 2015 |website=Engadget |date=October 15, 2015 |archive-date=October 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023060021/http://www.engadget.com/2015/10/15/valve-wants-the-steam-community-to-build-its-own-controllers/ |url-status=live }} Steam Link,{{Cite web |title=Valve's Steam Link: better than a 50-foot HDMI cable |url=https://www.engadget.com/2015/10/15/valves-steam-link-review/ |access-date=October 23, 2015 |website=Engadget |date=October 15, 2015 |archive-date=October 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023061845/http://www.engadget.com/2015/10/15/valves-steam-link-review/ |url-status=live }} and Alienware branded Steam Machines became available.{{Cite web |title=The Alienware Steam Machine: finally, a gaming PC for the living room |url=https://www.engadget.com/2015/10/15/alienware-steam-machine-review/ |access-date=October 23, 2015 |website=Engadget |date=October 15, 2015 |archive-date=October 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019015301/http://www.engadget.com/2015/10/15/alienware-steam-machine-review/ |url-status=live }} The official release date for Steam Machines was November 10, 2015.{{cite web |last=Crossley |first=Rob |date=November 11, 2015 |title=First Three Steam Machines Released, Prices and Specs Detailed |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/first-three-steam-machines-released-prices-and-spe/1100-6432187/ |access-date=November 11, 2015 |work=GameSpot |archive-date=November 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151113172320/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/first-three-steam-machines-released-prices-and-spe/1100-6432187/ |url-status=live }} In the following years, reliance by game engines on proprietary Windows APIs, as well as steadily more efficient computer hardware, made SteamOS an obstacle to the success of Steam Machines, which declined in popularity throughout the latter half of the decade relative to platforms such as mobile gaming and handheld consoles.{{Cite news |author1=Tyler Wilde |date=2018-04-02 |title=What happened to Steam Machines? |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/what-happened-to-steam-machines/ |access-date=2024-02-13 |work=PC Gamer |language=en |archive-date=May 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507221931/https://www.pcgamer.com/what-happened-to-steam-machines/ |url-status=live }}

On July 15, 2021, Valve announced the Steam Deck,{{Cite web |title="SteamDeck" |url=https://www.steamdeck.com/ |access-date=July 16, 2021 |website=Steamdeck |archive-date=December 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213124334/https://www.steamdeck.com/en/ |url-status=live }} a brand-new handheld PC gaming device, which would run a new and substantially different version of SteamOS, version 3.0. This new version is based upon Arch Linux, with the KDE Plasma 5 desktop environment pre-installed to allow users to customize their systems. The decision to move from Debian to Arch Linux was based on the different update schedule for these distributions; Debian, geared for server configurations, updates core OS software in one large release, with intermediate patches for known bugs and security fixes, while Arch uses a rolling update approach for all parts. Valve found that using Arch's rolling updates as a base would be better suited for the Steam Deck, allowing them to address issues and fixes much faster than Debian would allow.{{cite web |last=Dexter |first=Alan |date=August 9, 2021 |title=This is why Valve is switching from Debian to Arch for Steam Deck's Linux OS |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/this-is-why-valve-is-switching-from-debian-to-arch-for-steam-decks-linux-os/ |accessdate=August 9, 2021 |work=PC Gamer |archive-date=May 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230526185646/https://www.pcgamer.com/this-is-why-valve-is-switching-from-debian-to-arch-for-steam-decks-linux-os/ |url-status=live }} SteamOS itself is not rolling release. Valve affirmed that SteamOS 3.0 will continue to be freely available, with the intention of allowing other hardware developers to take advantage of it and build similar handheld computing devices like the Deck.{{cite web |last=Purslow |first=Matt |date=July 29, 2021 |title=Valve Says Steam Deck Is Future Proof, But Could Add New Generations |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/valve-steam-deck-future-proof-new-generations |accessdate=July 29, 2021 |work=IGN |archive-date=November 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116152130/https://www.ign.com/articles/valve-steam-deck-future-proof-new-generations |url-status=live }}

With the release of Version 3.0, older versions of SteamOS are no longer supported and are not maintained. Valve has not released a version of SteamOS 3.0 intended for devices other than the Steam Deck, though community resources exist for installing it onto commercial hardware.{{Citation |title=holoiso-staging/releases |date=2024-02-13 |url=https://github.com/holoiso-staging/releases |access-date=2024-02-13 |publisher=holoiso-staging |archive-date=February 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213214417/https://github.com/holoiso-staging/releases |url-status=live }} With an August 2024 update, Valve introduced support for mapping to the additional buttons on the Asus ROG Ally. According to Lawrence Yang, a designer at Valve, they are looking to expand support to additional handheld systems.{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/13/24219469/valve-steamos-asus-rog-ally-steady-progress-dual-boot | title = Valve confirms it'll support the ROG Ally with its Steam Deck operating system | first = Sean | last = Hollister | date = August 13, 2024 | accessdate = August 13, 2024 | work = The Verge | archive-date = August 14, 2024 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240814001825/https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/13/24219469/valve-steamos-asus-rog-ally-steady-progress-dual-boot | url-status = live }} Valve released brand guidelines for SteamOS to be used by other manufacturers to indicate support for the operating system in December 2024.{{cite news |last=Orland |first=Kyle |date=December 5, 2024 |title=The return of Steam Machines? Valve rolls out new "Powered by SteamOS" branding. |work=Ars Technica |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2024/12/the-return-of-steam-machines-valve-rolls-out-new-powered-by-steamos-branding/ |access-date=December 6, 2024}} In January 2025, Lenovo released the Legion Go S, which was the first official third-party handheld device that could be operating using SteamOS;{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/7/24338028/lenovo-legion-go-s-steam-windows | title = Lenovo launches Legion Go S, the first third-party handheld device with SteamOS support | first = Sean | last = Hollister | date = January 7, 2025 | access-date = January 7, 2025 | work = The Verge }} Valve released an update to SteamOS in May 2025 to formally support the Legion Go S.{{cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/steamos-now-officially-supports-a-second-handheld-221702983.html?src=rss |title = SteamOS now officially supports a second handheld | first = Anna | last = Washenko | date = May 22, 2025 | accessdate = May 22, 2025 | work = Engadget }} Following the release of SteamOS 3.7.8 on May 22nd, Valve officially enrolled SteamOS for AMD-powered handheld computers.{{cite web |last=Steam News |title=SteamOS 3.7.8: Go Country |url=https://store.steampowered.com/news/collection/steam/?emclan=103582791470414830&emgid=820329049655084700 |website=Steam |date=May 22, 2025 |access-date=May 24, 2025}}

SteamOS is designed primarily for playing video games made for PC away from a traditional computer, such as on a television or a handheld device. It does this by providing a console-like experience, known as "Gaming Mode", which includes quality of life features and a streamlined user interface, on top of an operating system that targets generic PC hardware which can be housed in any form factor. The first versions of SteamOS could run games developed natively for Linux, as well as stream games from Windows, Mac or Linux computers. Version 3.0 utilizes Valve's Proton compatibility layer to run a variety of games originally developed for Windows. While SteamOS supports Linux-native package managers, the primary software distribution method for SteamOS is the Steam storefront also used to distribute games to other operating systems. Some features, such as family sharing and parental restrictions, handled by Steam's desktop client on other operating systems, were moved into SteamOS.{{cite web |url= http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57604206-93/valve-fires-up-steamos-its-bid-for-living-room-pc-gaming/ |title= Valve fires up SteamOS, its bid for living room PC gaming |date= September 23, 2013 |access-date= September 28, 2013 |first= Nick |last= Statt |work= CNET |archive-date= October 29, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131029195450/http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57604206-93/valve-fires-up-steamos-its-bid-for-living-room-pc-gaming/ |url-status= live }} Valve claimed that it had "achieved significant performance increases in graphics processing" on the first two versions of SteamOS prior to the maturation of Proton.{{cite web |url= http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/09/24/steamos-the-pros-and-cons/ |title= The pros and cons of SteamOS |date= September 24, 2013 |access-date= September 28, 2013 |first= Tyler |last= Wilde |work= PC Gamer |archive-date= November 29, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131129073008/http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/09/24/steamos-the-pros-and-cons/ |url-status= live }} The operating system is open source, allowing users to build on or adapt the source code, though the actual Steam client is closed.{{cite web |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24207129 |title= Valve announces SteamOS as it renews living room push |date= September 23, 2013 |access-date= September 28, 2013 |first= Dave |last= Lee |work= BBC |archive-date= September 26, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130926080041/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24207129 |url-status= live }}{{cite web |url= http://www.cnet.com/uk/news/valves-steam-machine-lineup-poses-massive-threat-to-gaming-status-quo/ |title= Valve's Steam Machine lineup poses massive threat to gaming status quo |date= January 7, 2014 |access-date= April 25, 2014 |first= Nick |last= Statt |work= CNET |archive-date= December 8, 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141208235337/http://www.cnet.com/uk/news/valves-steam-machine-lineup-poses-massive-threat-to-gaming-status-quo/ |url-status= live }}

As SteamOS was intended for playing games without a mouse or keyboard, the first two versions did not have many built-in functions beyond web browsing and playing games. As of Version 3.0, users may freely access the KDE Plasma 5 desktop environment, known as "Desktop Mode", and perform tasks such as installing other software.{{Cite web |last=Dawe |first=Liam |date=2022-02-25 |title=Steam Deck desktop mode plus other stores — Epic Games Store |url=https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/02/steam-deck-desktop-mode-plus-other-stores-like-the-epic-games-store/ |access-date=2022-03-04 |website=GamingOnLinux |language=en |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824035623/https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/02/steam-deck-desktop-mode-plus-other-stores-like-the-epic-games-store/ |url-status=live }} Version 3.0 still utilizes an immutable file system, with only the user's home directory being writeable, but allows full permissions for solutions such as containerization and chroot for user programs requiring root access. The OS natively supports Nvidia, Intel, and AMD graphics processors.{{cite web | url = http://www.polygon.com/2014/1/6/5282530/steamos-now-supports-intel-graphics-out-of-the-box-amd-support-coming | title = SteamOS now supports Intel graphics out of the box, AMD support coming | website = Polygon | first = Jenna | last = Pitcher | date = January 6, 2014 | access-date = January 6, 2014 | archive-date = January 7, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140107063443/http://www.polygon.com/2014/1/6/5282530/steamos-now-supports-intel-graphics-out-of-the-box-amd-support-coming | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = http://www.polygon.com/2014/1/9/5292772/steamos-update-adds-support-for-amd-graphics-cards | title = Valve updates SteamOS to add support for AMD cards | first = Samit | last = Sarkar | date = January 9, 2014 | access-date = January 9, 2014 | website = Polygon | archive-date = January 9, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140109232403/http://www.polygon.com/2014/1/9/5292772/steamos-update-adds-support-for-amd-graphics-cards | url-status = live }} Version 3.0 added full support for peripheral devices, allowing SteamOS devices such as the Deck to be used as conventional PCs.

Version 3.0 is based on Arch Linux, rather than Debian, with some customizations. The OS includes Gamescope, which is a gaming-oriented micro compositor designed to optimize display on the Steam Deck.{{cite web|url=https://lwn.net/Articles/946188/|title=Linux ecosystem contributions from SteamOS|access-date=2023-10-21|archive-date=October 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231020011656/https://lwn.net/Articles/946188/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Gamescope |title=Gamescope |access-date=2023-10-21 |archive-date=October 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023115627/https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Gamescope |url-status=live }} When the pre-installed Steam client is launched using Gamescope, it constitutes activation of Gaming Mode.

In December 2013, Phoronix compared three Nvidia graphics cards on SteamOS 1.0 beta and Windows 8.1 Pro.{{cite web |url=https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=steamos_windows8_linux&num=1 |title=SteamOS vs. Windows 8.1 NVIDIA Performance |date=December 16, 2013 |access-date=September 14, 2016 |archive-date=October 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010184532/https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=steamos_windows8_linux&num=1 |url-status=live }} Overall, Nvidia's proprietary Linux graphics driver delivered performance comparable to that of the Windows drivers due to the platforms’ largely shared codebase.

In January 2014, GameSpot compared the performance of three games (Dota 2, Left 4 Dead 2, and Metro: Last Light) running on Windows 7 x64 and SteamOS 1.0 beta. With an AMD graphics card, they found that all ran at considerably fewer frames per second on SteamOS, and Left 4 Dead 2 stuttered, which they attributed to a device driver problem. With an Nvidia graphics card, they found that Metro: Last Light ran at a slightly higher frame rate and Dota 2 broke even.{{efn|GameSpot published contradictory findings regarding Left 4 Dead 2.}} With both video card brands, Left 4 Dead 2 and Dota 2 had longer load times on SteamOS.{{cite web |last=Walton |first=Mark |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/how-to-install-steamos/1100-6417288/ |title=How To Install SteamOS |website=GameSpot |date=January 27, 2014 |access-date=November 25, 2015 |archive-date=August 28, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150828195821/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/how-to-install-steamos/1100-6417288/ |url-status=live }}

When Steam Machines were officially released in November 2015, Ars Technica compared the rendering performance of cross-platform games on SteamOS 2 and Windows 10 running on the same machine, using average frame-per-second measurements, and found that games rendered between 21% and 58% slower on SteamOS 2. Ars Technica suggested this might be due to the inexperience of developers optimizing on OpenGL in contrast to DirectX, and believed that the performance might improve with future titles.{{cite web |url = https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/11/ars-benchmarks-show-significant-performance-hit-for-steamos-gaming/ |title = SteamOS gaming performs significantly worse than Windows, Ars analysis shows |first = Kyle |last = Orland |date = November 13, 2015 |access-date = November 16, 2015 |work = Ars Technica |archive-date = November 15, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151115230138/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/11/ars-benchmarks-show-significant-performance-hit-for-steamos-gaming/? |url-status = live }} They noted that their benchmark test, using six games on a single computer, was far from comprehensive.

In March 2022, Linus Tech Tips compared SteamOS 3.0 and Windows 10 performance on the Steam Deck using three gaming benchmarks (including Hitman 3, Doom Eternal, and Elden Ring) showing all three titles having a higher average frames per second on SteamOS compared to Windows 10. Hitman 3 delivered a 19 fps average for Windows 10 and a 34 fps average for SteamOS 3. In Doom Eternal, SteamOS 3 hit a 60 fps average while Windows hit a 47 fps average. Elden Ring on SteamOS topping out at 37 fps average while running on Windows 10 at a 30 fps average.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNt_ReLwk40 |title=I installed Windows on Steam Deck and I regret it |website= Linus Tech Tips |date=March 12, 2022}}{{cite web |last=Klotz |first=Aaron |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/news/steamOS-outperforms-windows-steam-deck |title=SteamOS Outperforms Windows On the Steam Deck |website=Tom’s Hardware |date=March 13, 2022 |access-date=March 14, 2022 |archive-date=March 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313200811/https://www.tomshardware.com/news/steamOS-outperforms-windows-steam-deck |url-status=live }} SteamOS Beta for handheld is intended to be released before Lenovo's Legion Go S releases in May 2025.{{cite web |url=

https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/handheld-gaming-pcs/steamos-beta-could-be-available-to-download-to-your-handheld-gaming-pc-of-choice-as-soon-as-april/

|title=SteamOS beta could be available to download to your handheld gaming PC of choice as soon as April}}

Following SteamOS’ initial announcement, many video game developers expressed enthusiasm. Minecraft creator Markus Persson described it as "amazing news," and Thomas Was Alone developer Mike Bithell called it "encouraging" for indie games.{{cite web |url= http://www.computerandvideogames.com/430557/steamos-is-amazing-news-says-minecraft-creator/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927090937/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/430557/steamos-is-amazing-news-says-minecraft-creator |archive-date=September 27, 2013 |title= SteamOS is 'amazing news', says Minecraft creator |date= September 23, 2013 |access-date= October 19, 2013 |first= Mike |last= Jackson |work= CVG}}{{cite web |url= http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/a520996/valves-steamos-encouraging-for-indies-says-thomas-was-alone-creator.html |title= Valve's SteamOS "encouraging" for indies, says Thomas Was Alone creator |date= October 4, 2013 |access-date= October 19, 2013 |work= Digital Spy |first= Ben |last= Lee |archive-date= October 19, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131019220137/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/a520996/valves-steamos-encouraging-for-indies-says-thomas-was-alone-creator.html |url-status= live }} Other developers such as DICE, creators of the Battlefield series, and The Creative Assembly, developers of the Total War series, stated that they may add Linux support for their games following SteamOS’ release.{{cite web |url= http://www.polygon.com/2013/10/12/4826190/linux-only-needs-one-killer-game-to-explode-says-battlefield-director |title= Linux only needs one 'killer' game to explode, says Battlefield director |date= October 12, 2013 |access-date= October 19, 2013 |work= Polygon |first= Jenna |last= Pitcher |archive-date= October 19, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131019190343/http://www.polygon.com/2013/10/12/4826190/linux-only-needs-one-killer-game-to-explode-says-battlefield-director |url-status= live }}{{cite web |url= http://www.pcgamesn.com/totalwar/creative-assembly-confident-total-war-rome-ii-steamos-port-possible |title= Creative Assembly "confident" that Total War: Rome II SteamOS port is possible |date= October 9, 2013 |access-date= October 19, 2013 |first= Jeremy |last= Peel |work= PCGamesN |archive-date= October 19, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131019231627/http://www.pcgamesn.com/totalwar/creative-assembly-confident-total-war-rome-ii-steamos-port-possible |url-status= live }}

On the operating system front, Gearbox Software head Randy Pitchford expressed a belief that the operating system needed a unique application to attract developers, saying "without that must-buy product driving us all towards this stuff, I expect that the industry at large will watch curiously, but remain largely unaffected."{{cite web |url= http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-09-30-steam-news-only-a-curiosity-without-a-must-buy-like-half-life-3-pitchford |title= Steam news only a "curiosity" without a must-buy like Half-Life 3 - Pitchford |date= September 30, 2013 |access-date= October 19, 2013 |work= Gamesindustry |first= James |last= Brightman |archive-date= October 19, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131019211631/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-09-30-steam-news-only-a-curiosity-without-a-must-buy-like-half-life-3-pitchford |url-status= live }} Richard Stallman, former president of the Free Software Foundation, expressed cautious support, but did not condone the use of non-free games or DRM.{{cite web|url=https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/nonfree-games.en.html|last=Stallman|first=Richard|work=GNU|access-date=November 28, 2016|title=Nonfree DRM'd Games on GNU/Linux: Good or Bad?|archive-date=April 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428064442/https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/nonfree-games.en.html|url-status=live}}

The SteamOS beta release received mixed reviews. In TechRadar's review Henry Winchester praised the easy to navigate interface and future potential but criticized the hard installation and lack of extra features compared to the Steam software.{{cite web |last=Winchester |first=Henry |date=December 20, 2013 |title=Hands on: SteamOS Beta review |url=http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/software/operating-systems/steamos-beta-1209037/review/ |access-date=December 26, 2013 |work=TechRadar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224173102/http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/software/operating-systems/steamos-beta-1209037/review/ |archive-date=24 December 2013}} Eurogamer's Thomas Morgan did not experience installation problems, but commented negatively on the lack of options available for detecting monitor resolutions and audio output, in addition to the lack of games available natively on the operating system. However, he responded well to the user interface, calling it "a positive start".{{cite web |url= http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-hands-on-with-steam-os |title= Hands-on with SteamOS |date= December 19, 2013 |access-date= December 26, 2013 |first= Thomas |last= Morgan |work= Eurogamer |archive-date= December 22, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131222072751/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-hands-on-with-steam-os |url-status= live }}

Since then, outlets such as Ars Technica have revisited SteamOS since its initial debut, offering observations on the platform's growth, pros, and cons.{{Cite web|title = The state of Linux gaming in the SteamOS era|url = https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/02/the-state-of-linux-gaming-in-the-steamos-era/|website = Ars Technica|date = February 26, 2015|access-date = October 23, 2015|archive-date = May 8, 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170508204342/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/02/the-state-of-linux-gaming-in-the-steamos-era/|url-status = live}} Both Falcon Northwest and Origin PC, computer manufacturers that were planning on offering Steam Machine hardware, opted to not ship a SteamOS-enabled machine in 2015 due to limitations of SteamOS over Windows; Falcon Northwest said they would still consider shipping machines with SteamOS in the future if performance improves.{{cite web | url =https://venturebeat.com/2015/11/13/why-one-pc-maker-decided-not-to-ship-a-steam-machine-this-year/ | title = Why one PC maker decided not to ship a Steam Machine this year | work = Venture Beat | date = November 13, 2015 | access-date = November 16, 2015 | first = Dean | last = Takahashi }}{{cite magazine | url = http://www.gameinformer.com/themes/blogs/generic/post.aspx?WeblogApp=news&y=2015&m=11&d=11&WeblogPostName=origin-pc-decides-against-steam-os-for-its-steam-machines&GroupKeys= | title = Origin PC Decides Against Steam OS For Its Steam Machines | first = Mike | last = Futter | date = November 11, 2015 | access-date = November 16, 2015 | magazine = Game Informer | archive-date = September 7, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160907233141/http://www.gameinformer.com/themes/blogs/generic/post.aspx?WeblogApp=news&y=2015&m=11&d=11&WeblogPostName=origin-pc-decides-against-steam-os-for-its-steam-machines&GroupKeys= | url-status = dead }}

SteamOS 3.0 released alongside Steam Deck as the system's built-in OS, though Valve also stated it would become publicly available for any hardware in the future.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6CUQeHIxDA&t=5348s |title=Steam Deck Development Live Stream |date=2021-11-12 |last=Steamworks Development |access-date=2024-12-23 |via=YouTube}} It received generally positive reviews.

PCGamer's Wes Fenlon praised SteamOS’ ease of use and described it as a "new version of SteamOS up against any of the current consoles for functionality and ease-of-use". He also praised the stability of sleep mode, stating that "it just works".{{Cite web |author1=Wes Fenlon |date=2022-02-25 |title=Steam Deck review |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/steam-deck-review/ |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=pcgamer |language=en |archive-date=July 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240716204707/https://www.pcgamer.com/steam-deck-review/ |url-status=live }} PCMag described SteamOS’ default Gaming Mode as "Linux With an Accessible Skin" and "conducive to handheld gaming" and praised the general ease of use, but pointed out compatibility issues when using video game mods with software running under Proton.{{Cite web |title=Valve Steam Deck Review |url=https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/valve-steam-deck |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=PCMAG |language=en}} IGN's Seth G. Macy was more critical of SteamOS - while he praised the flexibility of the OS' "Steam Input" controller support (including features like the system-level gyro control), he noted performance was variable with the rapid updates to the Proton compatibility layer, a poor ability to use alternative digital game storefronts, and SteamOS' general incompatibility with games utilizing kernel-level anti-cheat, such as Destiny 2 and games that use Easy Anti-Cheat.{{Cite web |last=Macy |first=Seth G. |date=2022-02-25 |title=Steam Deck Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/steam-deck-review |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=February 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225180124/https://www.ign.com/articles/steam-deck-review |url-status=live }}

{{Portal bar|Video games|Free and open-source software|Linux}}

• Bazzite
• Video games and Linux

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website|https://store.steampowered.com/steamos/}}

{{Valve}}

{{Linux distributions}}{{Mobile operating systems}}

Category:2013 software

Category:Arch-based Linux distributions

Category:Debian-based distributions

Category:Free software operating systems

Category:Linux distributions

OS

Category:X86-64 Linux distributions

Category:Game console operating systems

Category:2022 software