# Valve SteamOS expansion for handheld devices

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/valve-steamos-expansion-for-handheld-devices
> Updated: 2026-08-10T16:01:04.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2.

Valve has released the SteamOS 3.8.25 Beta, an update designed to expand compatibility for third-party handheld gaming devices. This release includes gamepad support for several non-Valve devices, such as the MSI Claw, OneXPlayer, AYANEO Pocket S2, and Konkr FIT.

The update marks a strategic shift toward supporting Intel-based hardware, specifically the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ which uses Intel’s Arc G3 processor, whereas SteamOS has historically focused on AMD-powered devices. Technical improvements in the beta include Steam Machine Firmware 108, fixes for sleep-wake loops, CPU performance issues, and audio fixes for the Steam Deck OLED. It also provides preliminary drivers for the upcoming Steam Frame Wireless Adapter and improved Linux drivers for the Steam Controller.

While Windows 11 remains the dominant operating system for gaming, Linux-based gaming distributions are seeing modest growth. Some performance tests indicate that certain titles, such as Cyberpunk 2077, can perform up to 30 percent better on SteamOS than on Windows 11 on identical hardware.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-10: Valve expands SteamOS support to more third-party handhelds

Valve is expanding SteamOS support to more third-party gaming handhelds, including Intel-based devices like the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, offering improved performance and a console-like experience.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/valve-expands-steamos-support-to-more-third-party-handhelds

### 2026-08-08: Valve releases SteamOS 3.8.25 Beta with expanded handheld support and firmware fixes

Valve's SteamOS 3.8.25 Beta adds firmware fixes and new handheld support, while Linux gaming OSes like SteamOS, CachyOS, and Bazzite together capture just under 2% of Steam users.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/valve-releases-steamos-3825-beta-with-expanded-handheld-support-and-firmware-fixes

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Cite as: Valve SteamOS expansion for handheld devices. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/valve-steamos-expansion-for-handheld-devices
