Valve is eyeing a new platform for its SteamOS, one that could potentially power not just the company's handheld console, but also laptops and desktops. The platform in question? ARM-based chips.
According to Pierre-Loup Griffais, a software engineer at Valve, the potential for ARM-based hardware is vast. "I think it paves the way for a bunch of different, maybe ultraportables, maybe more powerful laptops being Arm-based," he said during an interview with The Verge. Griffais also hinted that we might see SteamOS devices with desktop chips in the future.
While Valve isn't talking about a Steam Deck 2 today, Griffais believes that ARM-based handhelds could be competitive with x86 offerings in certain segments. "When you get into lower power, anything lower than Steam Deck, I think you'll find that there's an Arm chip that maybe is competitive with x86 offerings in that segment," he said.
One company already experimenting with Arm chips is One-Netbook, which has recently been selling powerful handheld-grade Arm chips. It remains to be seen whether Valve will follow suit, but Griffais' enthusiasm for the potential of ARM-based hardware suggests that we could see more SteamOS devices on this platform in the future.
Valve's decision to explore ARM-based hardware marks a significant shift in the company's approach to gaming and computing. With its focus on creating a versatile and accessible platform, Valve may be setting itself up for success in a market where traditional x86-based systems are being increasingly squeezed out by more efficient and power-friendly alternatives.
According to Pierre-Loup Griffais, a software engineer at Valve, the potential for ARM-based hardware is vast. "I think it paves the way for a bunch of different, maybe ultraportables, maybe more powerful laptops being Arm-based," he said during an interview with The Verge. Griffais also hinted that we might see SteamOS devices with desktop chips in the future.
While Valve isn't talking about a Steam Deck 2 today, Griffais believes that ARM-based handhelds could be competitive with x86 offerings in certain segments. "When you get into lower power, anything lower than Steam Deck, I think you'll find that there's an Arm chip that maybe is competitive with x86 offerings in that segment," he said.
One company already experimenting with Arm chips is One-Netbook, which has recently been selling powerful handheld-grade Arm chips. It remains to be seen whether Valve will follow suit, but Griffais' enthusiasm for the potential of ARM-based hardware suggests that we could see more SteamOS devices on this platform in the future.
Valve's decision to explore ARM-based hardware marks a significant shift in the company's approach to gaming and computing. With its focus on creating a versatile and accessible platform, Valve may be setting itself up for success in a market where traditional x86-based systems are being increasingly squeezed out by more efficient and power-friendly alternatives.
. Plus, if One-Netbook can already make handheld-grade Arm chips work, why not Valve? It's a bold move, but I think it could pay off in a big way 
. What do you guys think - are we ready for an ARM-based SteamOS revolution? 
and that's a big deal! they're not just stopping at steam deck handheld console, but also laptops & desktops? that's some crazy power for a gaming platform! what if steam os becomes more popular than windows or mac? 
the competition is gonna get fierce...
Like, can you imagine playing Steam games on an ultra-portable laptop or desktop that's powered by ARM chips? 
The potential for this is huge, imo! One-Netbook's experiments with Arm chips are a great sign, and if Valve gets in on the action, it could be a total game-changer. I mean, x86 has been kinda old news for a while now... 
The fact that Griffais thinks ARM-based handhelds could be competitive with x86 offerings is a bold statement, but I think he might be onto something 
.
Fingers crossed for some awesome SteamOS updates soon! 
i mean who wouldn't wanna have a powerful laptop or desktop that's portable too?!? 
and griffais is like yaaas let's do this! 
he thinks they'll be competitive w/ x86 but only in lower power segments which makes total sense 2 me. and can u believe one-netbook already has these arm chips in their handheld devices?!?! 
And it's not just about the Steam Deck 2 (or whatever they end up calling it), this could be a game-changer for laptops and desktops too. The efficiency aspect alone is huge right now, with everyone trying to squeeze more juice out of their hardware. I'm curious to see if One-Netbook's experiments will pay off for Valve - but either way, I think ARM-based hardware is the future! 
I think this is super exciting news! I mean, who wouldn't want to have a gaming PC that's also portable? I remember when I was younger and used to play games on my laptop all the time, it was always a hassle trying to set it up and get it working. If Valve can make SteamOS devices with ARM-based chips as powerful as our current laptops and desktops, it could be a game changer!
... it's not just about the hardware, though... it's about the experience, you know? can we imagine a future where gaming is seamless, no matter what device you're using?