Valve is working with major chipmakers including Intel, AMD and Nvidia to expand SteamOS beyond the Steam Deck, aiming to establish it as a serious alternative to Windows for PC gaming.
For decades, Windows has remained the undisputed leader in PC gaming, backed by a vast ecosystem of drivers, tailored hardware, and proprietary anti-cheat software. According to the Steam Hardware & Software Survey for May 2026, Windows commands a staggering 93.85% market share among Steam users, while Linux trails at 3.99% and macOS stands at 2.16%.
SteamOS, built on Linux and developed by Valve, is designed specifically for gaming. Its key strength lies in Gaming Mode, which boots directly into the Steam library and delivers a console-like experience similar to Steam Deck. At the same time, Desktop Mode retains the flexibility of a traditional PC, allowing users to install additional software and perform general computing tasks.
