According to the latest update, it’s even coming to some Intel devices, mostly on the strength of the appeal for those snazzy fresh handhelds. But it doesn’t work so well with Nvidia GPUs, which have an effective monopoly on the desktop side of things. Valve is working on that, according to a fresh interview. SteamOS, the Linux-based operating system at the heart of the Steam Deck and Steam Machine, is growing ever more widely used.
The report highlights that that’s a good thing if you’re a gamer who wants something with a little more oomph than integrated graphics or the 8GB AMD card built into the Steam Machine. Pierre-Loup Griffais, a member of Valve’s programs engineering team, told The Verge that the publisher is working directly with Nvidia to get driver support for SteamOS.
Industry observers note that griffais also said that it’s something “we’re working on in the background,” and even an initial SteamOS Nvidia driver might not come by the end of 2026. Oof. But I wouldn’t hold my breath.
The report highlights that so if Valve wants SteamOS to “just work” on devices with Nvidia cards, it’s going to need a lot of help. Things are getting better on that front, though, as Nvidia seems to be more actively supporting Linux with fresh high-profile hires and official support for the GeForce Now streaming ecosystem. Nvidia drivers for Linux have always been a bit of a sore spot, being much more touchy and proprietary than AMD and Intel drivers, and causing a lot of problems with the multitude of distros available.
In a fresh development, it’s certainly raising the profile of Linux tech industry based almost entirely on the strength of the Steam Deck handheld. But desktop PC gamers still overwhelmingly prefer Nvidia graphics, for better or worse. Nvidia is also expanding into Arm-based laptops. I’ve long speculated that Valve hopes SteamOS can be an alternative to Windows, at least for PC tech industry, possibly transitioning into a more holistic ecosystem.
As part of the ongoing story, looks like that’s now the plan. If Valve wants to expand SteamOS beyond the devices it sells—or occasionally partners with—then it’ll have to deal with the green-tinted dragon at some point.
The report highlights that on PCWorld he's the resident keyboard nut, always using a fresh one for a review and building a fresh mechanical board or expanding his desktop "battlestation" in his off hours. Michael's previous bylines include Android Police, Digital Trends, Wired, Lifehacker, and How-To Geek, and he's covered events like CES and Mobile Worldwide scene Congress live. Michael lives in Pennsylvania where he's always looking forward to his next kayaking trip. Michael is a 15-year veteran of technology journalism, covering everything from Apple to ZTE.