Valve is expanding the reach of its Linux-based SteamOS beyond the Steam Deck, and with that comes a fresh way to check if your favorite games will run smoothly on other devices. This new compatibility rating system will help players quickly see which games are supported on SteamOS-powered hardware like Lenovo’s upcoming Legion Go S handheld.
Starting soon, Valve plans to rate over 18,000 Steam games for compatibility with third-party SteamOS devices. These ratings are derived from a subset of the Steam Deck’s compatibility tests and cover key aspects such as game functionality, launcher support, and anti-cheat compatibility. The goal is to give gamers a straightforward look at whether a game will work on SteamOS, not just on the Steam Deck.
Interestingly, these new ratings will only appear on Steam when accessed from SteamOS devices other than the Steam Deck. They will be displayed alongside the existing Steam Deck verification status, providing additional details like whether an internet connection is required to play.
Valve assures that any game marked as Deck Verified will have an equal or better SteamOS compatibility rating, so you won’t find a game that runs on the Steam Deck but fails on other SteamOS devices. This consistency should help avoid confusion as more hardware options enter the market.
With Valve opening the door for SteamOS to run on more hardware, this compatibility rating system feels like a necessary step. It’s similar to how app stores on mobile platforms show compatibility info, helping users make informed choices before buying or downloading games.
Valve developer Pierre-Loup Griffais mentioned in an interview earlier this year that SteamOS aims to eventually run on everything from desktops to laptops, though handhelds remain the current focus. There’s no strict roadmap, just a steady push to bring SteamOS to more devices when the time is right.
For gamers curious about the future of SteamOS beyond the Steam Deck, this new rating system offers a glimpse of Valve’s broader ambitions. It’s a sign that SteamOS might soon become a more common sight on various gaming PCs, especially handhelds like the Legion Go S.
What do you think about Valve’s move to rate SteamOS compatibility for more devices? Will you be checking these ratings before picking up a new handheld? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
