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SteamOS

We've been hard at work to deliver on our promise of a new kind of living room entertainment environment - one that is accessible, powerful and open. In making SteamOS available to you, we're excited to take the next major step towards that goal.

SteamOS

SteamOS Reviews and Details

This page is designed to help you find out whether SteamOS is good and if it is the right choice for you.

Screenshots and images

  • SteamOS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-18

Features & Specs

  1. Optimized for Gaming

    SteamOS is designed specifically for gaming, providing a streamlined gaming experience with optimizations that can potentially improve game performance.

  2. Free and Open Source

    As an open-source operating system, SteamOS allows users to modify and customize their system, fostering a community of developers and users who can contribute improvements.

  3. Large Game Library

    SteamOS provides access to the extensive Steam library, enabling users to play thousands of games available on the Steam platform.

  4. Living Room Friendly

    Designed to be used with a TV and controllers, SteamOS has a user-friendly interface that is suitable for a living room setup, making it ideal for console-like gaming experiences.

  5. Continuous Updates

    SteamOS benefits from continuous updates from Valve, ensuring that users have access to the latest features, security patches, and performance improvements.

Badges & Trophies

Promote SteamOS. You can add any of these badges on your website.

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Videos

SteamOS Revisit - Valve Strikes Back!!!

What is SteamOS Explained ft Linus' Steam Machine

Social recommendations and mentions

We have tracked the following product recommendations or mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you see what people think about SteamOS and what they use it for.
  • I can't upgrade to Windows 11, now leave me alone
    Microsoft making advertisements for https://store.steampowered.com/steamos ? - Source: Hacker News / 5 months ago
  • Is it possible for a PC to only run steam and steam games and nothing else?
    SteamOS exists but may limit the games that could be played since it's a Linux based OS. Steam itself also has a web browser so no matter the way you do it have to research how or if you can disable that. There's also ways you could clamp windows down a lot but that's a lot of work. Source: over 2 years ago
  • So about SteamOS and ChimeraOS...
    I'm a bit confused about SteamOS. Is this the offical version for desktop devices? If so, why do people use ChimeraOS if there is already an offical version of it? Or is it not complete. Source: over 2 years ago
  • An L bois
    Closest you'll get is with SteamOS which can be run on a PC: https://store.steampowered.com/steamos. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Install on Steam Deck?
    I know I could install Dungeondraft on my Steam Deck when running Windows, but is it possible to install Dungeondraft on my Steam Deck when in "Desktop Mode" of the SteamOS? I know Dungeondraft specifically says "Ubuntu" as one of the OSes it supports, but SteamOS is based on Debian Jessie. I've tried to research how much different Jessie is from Ubuntu, but I'm not having much luck. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Why do reviewers still say that the Steam Deck can't run Windows?
    Itโ€™s literally a Debian distroโ€ฆ. https://store.steampowered.com/steamos. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • MSFT is forcing Outlook and Teams to open links in Edge and IT admins are angry
    > Interestingly SteamOS is quite nice, but will it be something outside of gaming on a Steam Deck? Considering their website[1] still says it's Debian derived but they switched to Arch some time ago, I doubt it's in their plans to do more than enable their own hardware. [1]: https://store.steampowered.com/steamos. - Source: Hacker News / about 3 years ago
  • aegsgrsgegsegsg
    He: Ok, let's get [Steamy](https://store.steampowered.com/steamos)! Source: about 3 years ago
  • Anyone play on Linux via Steam Proton? Game not finding joystick, need advice
    If this computer is purely for gaming, Steam OS might be a good option. However I don't know how easy it is to run other gaming software on it like Lutris, if that's a requirement. Should be possible, just haven't tried it. Source: over 3 years ago
  • We can torpedo this myth now
    Most importantly, SteamOS only supports a certain set of hardware (you can read more in our FAQ). We will add support for newer hardware over time, but we have no plans to add more support for older hardware. Source: over 3 years ago
  • SteamOS, what version of linux does it use?
    Source: https://store.steampowered.com/steamos. Source: over 3 years ago
  • What happened to the Intel Arc challenge?
    It's already released on the website, but this is the one that was on the steam machines so the desktop mode of the deck. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Fixed It
    I could have sworn it was Debian 8 Jessie. Guess Google hated me more than I thought. The only reason I thought the Aerosmith song was Jessie was that it gave me a did you mean Jessie when I typed Janie earlier today when I tried to link the song to someone. And when they didn't know what song I was talking about when I linked it they replied in a way that made me think that I was feeling the Mandala Effect. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Unpopular opinion?
    You can download and install SteamOS directly from Valve, here: Https://store.steampowered.com/steamos. Source: over 3 years ago
  • my diy steamdeck
    But I find it weird that steam still has debian listed on their website. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Anyone else feels like KDE needs a flagship distro where it gets center stage?
    Users should not consider SteamOS as a replacement for their desktop operating system. SteamOS is being designed and optimized for the living room experience. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Anyone try installing SteamOS? (Legit SteamOS not HoloISO)
    I haven't really been seeing people talking about this (https://store.steampowered.com/steamos/) but it's saying its officially available. I ended up building a mini gaming pc and was deciding on which distro to use in the meantime when I stumbled on this. I cant seem to get the usb to show in my bios after following the instructions. Has anyone else tried this yet? Source: over 3 years ago
  • Ayaneo Geek2 versus Steam Deck ? Geekbench for Steam Deck ?
    Also, from the FAQ: https://store.steampowered.com/steamos. Source: over 3 years ago
  • With the success of the Steam Deck do you think Steam Machine could have a comeback?
    Considering you can install SteamOS on your own rig, nope. Source: over 3 years ago
  • For those wondering! Yes! Save the world works perfectly fine on the Steam Deck!
    The SteamDeck comes with SteamOS which is just a custom Linux distribution, It's still possible to install Windows 10 on external storage or it's built in SSD to use that instead. Source: over 3 years ago
  • 8 years ago, Linux's creator Linus Torvalds said, "Valve will save the Linux Desktop". He was right all along.
    SteamOS has been out for almost a decade, since they started playing around with those steam consoles. SteamOS 3 (the version used on steam deck) isn't out, most as AFAIK it's currently hardware specific. Source: over 3 years ago

Summary of the public mentions of SteamOS

SteamOS, developed by Valve Corporation, has been a topic of interest and discussion, especially within the gaming and Linux communities. As a Linux-based operating system, SteamOS is tailored specifically for gaming, optimizing the experience via Steam, Valveโ€™s own digital distribution platform. While its primary use case remains gaming, it has stirred various opinions regarding its viability and functionality.

Gaming-Focused Design

The operating system, based on Linux, primarily aims to facilitate gaming through Steam. It provides users with a streamlined platform that might appeal to those who prioritize gaming over traditional desktop computing needs. Notably, users have praised SteamOS for facilitating a living room gaming experience, largely due to its ease of installation and operation on configurations like the Steam Deck.

Limitations and Challenges

Despite its clear gaming focus, several challenges persist. One significant limitation cited is the operating systemโ€™s compatibility with games, as itโ€™s exclusively Linux-based. This means that certain titles, especially those developed solely for Windows, may face compatibility issues without additional tools like Proton or Wine. Moreover, the limited support for older hardware has also been a concern, as Valve seems focused on optimizing performance for newer devices.

Comparisons with Other Linux Distributions

Compared to other Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, or Pop!_OS, SteamOS's role is niche and specific. While traditional distributions offer a full-fledged operating environment capable of handling a wide array of applications and needs, SteamOS is unapologetically gaming-centric. This singular focus sometimes leads to confusion among users, who question why alternatives like ChimeraOS are popular if SteamOS itself is ready for use.

Debian to Arch Transition

Additionally, there have been discussions about SteamOSโ€™s transition issues from Debian to an Arch-based system. This switch may not be fully reflected everywhere, creating some confusion about the system's current state and support.

Use on Custom Builds

Some users have explored the feasibility of employing SteamOS in custom gaming PC setups. There is a curiosity about its role beyond the Steam Deck, especially concerning its installation complexity and the challenges posed by BIOS recognition in custom builds.

A Niche but Noteworthy Player

In summary, SteamOS continues to be an interesting option within the Linux ecosystem, particularly for those whose primary use case is gaming through the Steam platform. Its development and role within the broader cadre of Linux distributions exemplify a focused approach towards a niche market. While it may not offer the breadth of functionality found in more generalized Linux distros, it nevertheless provides a tailored solution for gaming enthusiasts. Integration challenges and hardware compatibility remain areas that users often need to navigate, but for dedicated gaming on Linux, SteamOS maintains its place in the conversation.

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Is SteamOS good? This is an informative page that will help you find out. Moreover, you can review and discuss SteamOS here. The primary details have not been verified within the last quarter, and they might be outdated. If you think we are missing something, please use the means on this page to comment or suggest changes. All reviews and comments are highly encouranged and appreciated as they help everyone in the community to make an informed choice. Please always be kind and objective when evaluating a product and sharing your opinion.