SteamOS 3.7 Brings Support for Its Steam Deck Rivals
Valve’s SteamOS 3.7 update expands beyond the Steam Deck, offering official support for rival AMD handhelds like Lenovo Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally.
Summary
- SteamOS 3.7 officially supports Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go handhelds.
- Only AMD-powered systems with NVMe SSDs can run SteamOS 3.7.
- Steam Deck gains a battery charge limit feature to prolong battery health.
What’s New in SteamOS 3.7?
The SteamOS 3.7 update, also known as version 3.7.8, marks a major step for Valve by extending support beyond its own Steam Deck. Now, AMD-powered handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go can install and run SteamOS officially. While the Steam Deck and Legion Go S are fully supported, other AMD handhelds and desktops can try SteamOS for basic functions.
This update introduces a “SteamOS Compatible” label, allowing users to identify compatible games easily, regardless of whether they’re playing on the Steam Deck or another AMD device. Valve also provided detailed instructions for setting up SteamOS on third-party hardware, requiring an AMD system, an NVMe SSD, and Secure Boot to be disabled.
New Features for Steam Deck
Steam Deck users get extra love in this patch with a new battery charge limit option. Found in the power settings, this feature lets players cap charging at 80% to extend the battery’s lifespan — similar to features on devices like the Nintendo Switch. Additionally, the Linux kernel has been upgraded to version 6.11, the Plasma desktop updated to 6.2.5, and the Mesa graphics driver enhanced, boosting overall system performance and reliability.
Important Requirements and Limitations
Keep in mind, SteamOS 3.7 only supports AMD-only systems. Intel and Nvidia hardware are still left out, making this release best suited for gamers using Ryzen Z1 or Z2 series handhelds, AMD desktops, or laptops. Also, there’s no official dual-boot support — switching back to Windows requires a fresh installation and Secure Boot reactivation.
Pros
- Expands SteamOS support beyond the Steam Deck.
- Improves third-party gaming handheld compatibility.
- Adds battery-saving features to Steam Deck.
Cons
- No support for Intel or Nvidia systems.
- No dual-boot option; switching back to Windows requires a full reinstall.
- Limited to AMD hardware with NVMe SSDs.
Final Verdict
SteamOS 3.7 marks an exciting evolution for Valve’s gaming ecosystem. By broadening its reach to AMD-powered handheld rivals, Valve is moving beyond the Steam Deck and creating a new wave of compatible devices. While not yet a replacement for Windows, for AMD-based gaming systems, SteamOS is becoming a powerful alternative that delivers a streamlined gaming experience.
FAQs
Q: Which devices are officially supported by SteamOS 3.7?
A: Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go S have full support; Asus ROG Ally and other AMD handhelds have improved support.
Q: Can I dual-boot SteamOS with Windows?
A: No, there’s no official dual-boot support; you’ll need to reinstall Windows separately if you switch back.
Q: Does SteamOS 3.7 work on Intel or Nvidia systems?
A: No, SteamOS 3.7 currently only supports AMD hardware configurations.
