For avid gamers, the thrill of discovering a new title on Steam is often dampened by the uncertainty of compatibility. Steam Deck owners know this struggle all too well—gleefully browsing the store page, anxiously searching for that coveted green tick indicating a game’s verified proficiency on their device. Valve’s Steam Deck Verified program has served as a beacon of hope in this regard, offering reassurance that a game will deliver a seamless experience on its handheld system. However, the impending expansion of this rating system promises to transcend the Steam Deck, ushering in a new era of inclusivity for SteamOS as a whole.
This expansion is spurred on by the impending launch of the Lenovo Legion Go S, the first non-Steam Deck handheld to run on SteamOS. As Valve expands its compatibility rating from solely focusing on the Steam Deck to a broader evaluation of SteamOS devices, the gaming community is left buzzing with excitement. The existence of empirical data from the Steam Deck Verified program allows Valve’s testing team to predict the performance of over 18,000 games on a variety of SteamOS devices, creating a clearer roadmap for gamers in search of new experiences.
Data-Driven Ratings: A Double-Edged Sword?
What makes these new ratings—aligned with the labels of SteamOS Compatible and SteamOS Unsupported—particularly exciting is the introduction of a systematic approach to identifying which titles will make it onto non-Steam Deck systems. However, while these new classifications promise to alleviate some of the uncertainty, they also pose potential pitfalls. Unlike the existing system that considers gameplay performance across a variety of factors, these new designations may not delve into critical details such as framerate stability or control input compatibility. Games that receive the ‘SteamOS Compatible’ label might still run with subpar performance, leaving players disheartened and frustrated.
Consider the case of multiplayer juggernaut Apex Legends, which seems likely to secure the ‘SteamOS Unsupported’ tag due to its previous abandonment of Linux support. Gamers hoping to battle it out on their new handheld may find themselves encountering a disappointing roadblock as a result. The challenge lies in striking a balance between streamlining the process and ensuring that it doesn’t mislead users into believing they are safe to purchase a game that could be riddled with issues on their device.
SteamOS: The Underdog Rising
Despite the concerns over methodology, the news that SteamOS is gaining traction within the handheld gaming industry is incredibly encouraging. Currently, SteamOS holds the upper hand over Windows 11 in terms of functionality for portable PCs, presenting itself as a snappier, more stable operating system. Its ability to easily run non-Steam titles adds further merit, giving users the flexibility that has traditionally been absent in competitive gaming environments. This newfound flexibility is crucial for companies venturing into the handheld market, as Valve indicates that they anticipate partnerships with more manufacturers moving forward.
While the Lenovo Legion Go S sets the stage for innovation, another player—the Asus ROG Ally 2—seems tethered to the Microsoft ecosystem, further emphasizing the ongoing struggle between open-source compatibility and proprietary systems. As gamers, we must advocate for alternatives that keep us from being boxed into one ecosystem. A diverse array of handheld devices utilizing SteamOS would empower consumers and cultivate a more competitive market, ultimately benefiting everyone involved.
Encouragement for Future Innovation
As we stand at the brink of this pivotal transition, the prospects for SteamOS are exceedingly optimistic. Valve’s plans for a systematic rating of compatibility is essential not only for enhancing user experience but also for promoting the development of new handheld models. By illustrating the potential of a range of innovative devices, Valve can motivate hardware manufacturers to explore SteamOS-powered designs, broadening the spectrum of possibilities for portable gaming.
For enthusiasts intrigued by the concept of a handheld gaming experience akin to the Steam Deck, yet hesitant due to hardware limitations, this wave of advancements heralds an encouraging shift. As more developers join the ranks, this could forge a sense of community surrounding SteamOS that transcends individual devices and truly revitalizes the landscape of portable gaming. While one new, lower-spec handheld may not indicate a complete metamorphosis, the groundwork has undeniably been laid for a revolution that could empower gamers and manufacturers alike in exciting ways.
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