Gamers are on the cusp of a significant shift in the world of portable PC gaming. With the introduction of a broader compatibility verification system for SteamOS, the promise of a unified gaming ecosystem is becoming a reality.

The familiar green tick mark on Steam store pages, indicating a game’s compatibility with the Steam Deck, is set to become a standard across various devices. This move expands the Steam Deck Verified program beyond Valve’s own hardware, embracing a future where multiple devices can run SteamOS.

As the first non-Steam Deck SteamOS handheld, the Lenovo Legion Go S, prepares to launch, the industry is watching. Valve’s initiative ensures compatibility and ease of use for consumers, making it easier to identify games that work seamlessly on their chosen device.

Valve Announces Expansion of Steam Deck Verified System to Cover Future Devices

In a move to enhance compatibility, Valve is broadening its Steam Deck Verified program to encompass upcoming devices that run on SteamOS.

This significant expansion is strategically timed with the release of the Lenovo Legion Go S, the first non-Valve device to officially ship with SteamOS. The new system will now verify compatibility for all future devices running SteamOS, making it easier for users to identify which games will work properly on their hardware.

By broadening the Steam Deck Verified system, Valve demonstrates its commitment to supporting the broader SteamOS ecosystem, ensuring a smoother gaming experience across various devices.

How the New SteamOS Compatibility Ratings Work

Valve’s introduction of the SteamOS compatibility ratings marks a significant step forward in enhancing the gaming experience on Steam Deck devices. This new rating system is designed to provide users with clear information about game compatibility with SteamOS.

SteamOS Compatible vs. SteamOS Unsupported Categories

The new SteamOS compatibility system introduces two straightforward categories: “SteamOS Compatible” for games that work properly with the operating system and “SteamOS Unsupported” for those that don’t. According to Valve, a game is considered SteamOS Compatible if it and all its middleware are supported on SteamOS.

Visual Indicators and Implementation Timeline

Games that pass the SteamOS compatibility test will display a blue checkmark on store pages and in user libraries on SteamOS devices. The implementation timeline is progressive, with ratings beginning to appear in the coming weeks as Valve processes their extensive library of games. This will provide users with comprehensive compatibility information alongside the existing Steam Deck Verified (green checkmark) system.

18,000 Steam Titles Expected to Receive Compatibility Ratings

Valve is set to mark around 18,000 Steam titles as SteamOS Compatible. This significant expansion aims to provide users with a clear understanding of which games can run on SteamOS. The compatibility ratings are designed to simplify the process of identifying compatible games across various hardware configurations.

What the Ratings Evaluate

The compatibility ratings specifically assess whether games can run on SteamOS, focusing on core functionality rather than performance. This means that while a game may be marked as SteamOS Compatible, its actual performance may vary based on the device’s hardware capabilities.

Performance Considerations for Different Hardware

It’s crucial to understand that the SteamOS Compatible rating does not guarantee optimal performance across all devices. Factors such as processor speed, memory, and graphics capabilities will still determine how well games run on different hardware configurations, including the Steam Deck and other future devices adopting SteamOS.

The Future of SteamOS Beyond the Steam Deck

With Valve’s vision for SteamOS extending beyond the Steam Deck, new possibilities emerge for the gaming industry. The expansion of the Steam Deck Verified program signals a broader vision for SteamOS as a universal gaming platform. This move is expected to benefit both consumers and hardware manufacturers, as it provides a standardized compatibility system and a lightweight, user-friendly interface.

The introduction of new devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S, which is currently the only other officially supported device running SteamOS, marks the beginning of a potentially thriving ecosystem. As more devices adopt SteamOS, users can expect a more diverse range of handheld gaming options, all sharing the same core compatibility system and support for a vast library of titles.