During CES 2025, Lenovo announced the release of its SteamOS-powered Legion Go S gaming handheld, marking a major shift in the handheld gaming space. But Lenovo won’t be the only player in this game. Valve recently updated its SteamOS guidelines, allowing third-party manufacturers to officially ship devices powered by SteamOS. This move opens the door for more SteamOS handhelds to hit the market.
While this is an exciting development for gamers, it could also bring some nuanced changes to the handheld gaming landscape. Let’s break it down: here are two reasons why SteamOS on more devices is great news, and two reasons why it might not be ideal.
Pro 1: Better Hardware Options Than the Steam Deck
The Steam Deck was a trailblazer when it launched in February 2022, kickstarting the PC gaming handheld market. However, three years have passed, and in tech years, that’s an eternity. With newer hardware from Lenovo, ASUS, MSI, Acer, and others, the Steam Deck is beginning to show its age.
SteamOS being available on third-party devices means gamers can now enjoy the simplicity of Valve’s Linux-based operating system on handhelds with better hardware. More powerful devices could run games that the Steam Deck struggles with or can’t handle at all. For example, there are demanding games that fail to perform well on the Steam Deck but run smoothly on competitors like the ROG Ally or Legion Go.
Valve has even made it easier for users to install SteamOS on non-Steam Deck devices, and soon, officially supported SteamOS handhelds will make this process seamless. Whether you’re buying new or upgrading an existing device, SteamOS offers exciting possibilities.
Pro 2: More Competition Pushes Innovation
More SteamOS devices mean more choices for gamers. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a high-performance beast, the growing “Powered by SteamOS” ecosystem offers something for everyone.
Competition is great for consumers. Until now, the Steam Deck was the only official SteamOS handheld. But with Valve opening up the platform to third-party manufacturers, companies will be motivated to innovate and offer features that stand out. This could lead to better design, improved performance, and conveniences we haven’t even considered yet. The increased competition will ultimately push the quality of handheld gaming devices forward.
Con 1: A Steam Deck 2 Might Never Happen
With SteamOS expanding to other devices, there’s a real possibility we might never see a Steam Deck 2. Valve hasn’t announced any plans for a successor, and they’ve even confirmed no Steam Deck with an AMD Ryzen Z2 chip is in development.
The truth is, Valve doesn’t need to release a Steam Deck 2. The original device successfully proved that PC gaming handhelds are viable, and it continues to drive gamers to Steam’s ecosystem. By letting third-party manufacturers handle hardware development, Valve can simply focus on game sales, which already make it one of the most profitable companies per employee.
While this strategy makes sense for Valve, it’s disappointing for fans who were hoping for a second-generation Steam Deck.
Con 2: Fragmentation of the Steam Deck Community
The Steam Deck has fostered a dedicated community of gamers who share tips, troubleshoot issues, and swap customization ideas. Everyone is united by owning the same hardware, making it easy to find solutions and connect with others.
With more SteamOS devices entering the market, this sense of community could splinter. Users might need to join smaller, more niche groups dedicated to their specific handheld models. If no single device takes the lead among SteamOS handhelds, the current camaraderie could diminish.
What’s Next for SteamOS and Handheld Gaming?
One thing is clear: the expansion of SteamOS to third-party devices marks a significant shift for handheld gaming. Gamers will have more options and access to more powerful devices, but it also raises questions about the future of the Steam Deck and its vibrant community.
Will a new SteamOS handheld become the next big thing? Or will the handheld gaming space fragment into smaller communities? Only time will tell. While I’ll miss the idea of a Steam Deck 2, there’s no denying that the Steam Deck has already fulfilled its purpose by lighting the way for PC gaming on the go.
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