After a lengthy wait, Valve may soon fulfil a promise two-and-a-half years in the making, as there are hints SteamOS will finally debut on devices other than Steam Deck. Handhelds will soon be able to ditch the resource-consuming Windows for a more optimised operating system that specifically caters to gaming.
Valve has just updated its brand guidelines and logo set in preparation for its future plans. In total, the Steam brand family now includes:
- Powered by SteamOS – for machines running Valve’s operating system.
- Steam VR – for virtual reality hardware compatible with specific Steam VR features.
- Steam – for Steam games, as usual.
- Steam Compatible – for hardware shipping with Valve-approved controller inputs.
- Steam Included – for machines with a Steam client pre-installed.
- Steam Play Here – for establishments offering Steam on public computers.
- Steam Link Compatible – for hardware shipping with Valve-approved Steam Link compatibility.
While we know about most of these already, putting guidelines on how partners can market each shows that Valve is set for its next step. The company has also stipulated that logos may never dominate over the product on packaging, but can feature SteamOS prominently enough so there are no surprises when you switch a corresponding machine on. Prospective collaborators will need to submit their use of Steam branding to Valve for approval to ensure there’s no false advertising, too, combatting any fakes.
The Powered by SteamOS logo indicates that a device will be running Valve’s operating system, booting into SteamOS upon powering it. Partners and manufacturers will be able to ship machines running on an image of SteamOS provided by and/or developed in close collaboration with Valve. This should ensure a stable experience for users and a potential improvement for SteamOS as brands add or require new features.
Even though you can already download a beta version of the SteamOS to test on handhelds like ROG Ally, Steam Deck remains the best way to enjoy a seamless SteamOS experience. Hopefully, this doesn’t mean that Valve is leaving the hardware market. Though Steam Deck 2 is pretty much in the works, a third version may never come knowing Valve’s fear of the number three.
For my part, I am very excited about this change as it will help SteamOS adoption which in turn could improve game support and performance. I also can’t wait to see it optimised and available for desktop PCs. I must say, the only reason I’m still on Windows is gaming, so if I can get the same experience or better elsewhere, then sign me up.
Unfortunately, Valve hasn’t given a release date just yet, and this isn’t the first time we’ve gotten our hopes up with speculation on SteamOS. The operating system might still be a ways away, but like a dog that thinks it hears its owner at the door, we’re eagarly awaiting the turn of that handle.