Home windows vs. SteamOS would be the subsequent nice console struggle. I can not wait
Have you ever seen the information? Microsoft has signaled that future Xbox consoles will run Home windows, which factors to 1 huge potential future: gaming PCs could quickly be taking the lounge by storm. It seems like the following Xbox will run Steam video games, too.
In the meantime, at CES 2025, Valve’s Pierre-Loup Griffais informed PCWorld that going past handhelds to lounge PCs was one in all Valve’s long-term objectives. Keep in mind when Steam Machines launched again in 2015? A decade later, it appears we could also be taking a look at their return—besides in a brand new, extra fascinating method. Because of the Steam Deck, Linux-based gaming PCs could also be an even bigger risk to Microsoft this time round.
In brief, the following nice console struggle will possible go down between Microsoft and Valve. Each corporations have signaled their intentions, with Xbox-themed Home windows PCs battling SteamOS-running Linux methods for lounge dominance. Which one will come out on prime?
Xbox is neatly merging with Home windows
Subsequent-generation Xbox consoles appear like they are going to be operating Home windows! They usually received’t be locked to a single retailer—it seems like the following Xbox may also run Steam and different PC gaming platforms.
That’s not a giant shock as Microsoft already introduced an Xbox-branded Home windows handheld PC named the Asus ROG Xbox Ally. Microsoft hides that it runs Home windows, which is smart as a result of Home windows has to this point been a multitude on gaming handhelds. After I reviewed the Lenovo Legion Go S, I discovered that Home windows made your entire expertise extra irritating in comparison with a Steam Deck, and SteamOS delivers higher efficiency on the identical {hardware}.
However Microsoft isn’t simply shrugging its shoulders and letting PC producers slap the Xbox identify on gaming PCs. As a substitute, the corporate seems to be merging Xbox and Home windows in a sensible method, at the least in response to press bulletins. For instance, Microsoft says current Xbox video games will run on that next-generation console, and Home windows is remodeling to run higher on gaming-focused gadgets.
SteamOS is method, method, method higher now
Valve initially launched Steam Machines again in 2015, a line of gaming PCs designed to supply a console-style lounge expertise. Whereas Valve didn’t make its personal {hardware} for these PCs—other than the now-discontinued Steam Controller—the corporate did companion with PC makers like Alienware, who made their very own {hardware} that ran Valve’s Linux-based SteamOS.
The preliminary line of Steam Machines—launched just some years after Microsoft freaked Valve out with the launch of Home windows 8 and its iPad-style app platform locked to Microsoft’s personal app retailer—didn’t take the world by storm. These Steam Machines ran video games that had been ported to Linux… and the outcomes weren’t fairly.
Since then, nonetheless, Valve’s Proton software program compatibility layer has offered a method for the Steam Deck and different SteamOS-based machines to run Home windows video games straight on Linux, typically with higher efficiency than they’ve when operating on Home windows itself.
The software program is now far more prepared. And Valve is already making strikes to certify SteamOS for different producers’ gadgets. Lenovo’s Legion Go S is the primary non-Valve SteamOS machine within the trendy period. Valve doesn’t must make its personal Steam Machines—all Valve has to do is give the stamp of approval to PC makers who wish to ship their very own experiences. Besides this time, Valve’s SteamOS is prepared.
Valve’s Steam Deck is already a lounge gaming console
Valve already has a stable lounge console. It’s known as the Steam Deck! Paired with a dock—like Valve’s personal Steam Deck docking station or a third-party dock like this one—the Steam Deck can simply connect with and run in your lounge TV. Pair a controller of your alternative (or perhaps a mouse and a keyboard) and also you’ll be utilizing your “handheld” gaming console docked to your lounge TV, identical to you’ll with a Nintendo Change or Change 2 console.
Whereas the Steam Deck doesn’t have the ability to run the most recent PC video games at excessive graphics settings, there are answers. Nvidia’s GeForce Now cloud gaming platform works on the Steam Deck, providing you with a robust solution to play demanding video games with excessive graphical element in your lounge proper in your TV, identical to you possibly can on the go.
Valve’s Steam Deck additionally helps Distant Play, so you possibly can stream video games wirelessly from your personal PC proper to your lounge TV. It’s a quick-and-easy-to-set-up lounge gaming expertise.
Valve in all probability received’t launch its personal Steam Field any time quickly…
Close to the beginning of 2025, we heard rumors of Valve working by itself Steam Machine-style lounge console, and people rumors took the net by storm. Valve gave the impression to be engaged on assist for AMD RDNA4 {hardware}. However, as Valve developer Pierre-Loup Griffais defined, that’s nothing new. Valve all the time does this type of work, and it’s no signal {that a} correct SteamOS console is imminent.
There’s at the least one case of what seems to be a “Valve Steam Field” within the wild, however that machine is a prototype from the 2017 period. Undoubtedly not a latest machine to hold our hopes on! Given the rumors circulating on-line, it’s more likely that Valve will launch its personal “Deckard” VR headset—and I hope they do. The VR gaming trade wants the assistance.
…however Valve doesn’t must launch its personal SteamOS console
iBuyPower’s SBX Steam Machine from 2015.
iBuyPower
Valve doesn’t must launch its personal {hardware}. If Microsoft is constructing to a Home windows-based future for Xbox consoles, many customers will need a correct SteamOS-based interface for his or her consoles. However why run Steam on a mix Xbox-plus-Home windows-PC when you possibly can run it on SteamOS and have the slick expertise you get on a Steam Deck?
Heck, if the way forward for lounge gaming entails PCs, why would Valve let Microsoft run away with that with none competitors? The Steam Deck wanted to exist—and wanted to be a Valve-created product—as a result of it wasn’t simply in regards to the software program. There was no nice handheld gaming PC that delivered what Valve delivered.
In terms of the lounge, issues are totally different. Gaming PC corporations can ship wonderful console-style experiences in every little thing from a “mini PC” kind issue to a historically massive gaming PC. The {hardware} is already prepared, so Valve doesn’t must be the one making the right lounge PC. SteamOS is extra mature than ever, too—and PC makers could also be wanting to get into the lounge and begin competing towards Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo.
It’s about time PCs took over residing rooms
That is PCWorld, so I’ll simply say it: I’m joyful the PC is taking on the lounge. Whereas the simplicity of console gaming is nice, I’ve lengthy hoped for a extra open gaming expertise in the lounge. I need a number of shops, I need consoles that may run homebrew video games from outdoors shops, I need assist for mods, and I need all the opposite cool stuff you possibly can historically get from PC gaming however not console gaming.
Whether or not Valve decides to place SteamOS up towards Microsoft’s new Xbox-Home windows combo working system, I’m simply excited to see the lounge transfer in a extra open, PC-oriented course.
However I do hope SteamOS goes toe to toe with Microsoft in the lounge. If nothing else, competitors is best for everybody. Valve’s SteamOS efforts have already made Microsoft take Home windows PC gaming far more significantly, and that’s good for all PC players.
