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Emulating PC games on Android is easier than ever, and you can thank Valve
BetaBeacon
December 4, 2025

Emulating PC games on Android is easier than ever, and you can thank Valve

Valve is contributing to Windows emulation on Android by sponsoring the development of key emulation tools such as the Pex emulator and the Proton compatibility layer. These tools allow Windows games designed for traditional x86 PC hardware to run on Arm architecture, enabling PC emulation on devices like Android phones and tablets.
Steam Deck lead reveals Valve is funding ARM compatibility of Windows games “to expand PC gaming” and release “ultraportables” in the future
AppWizard
December 3, 2025

Steam Deck lead reveals Valve is funding ARM compatibility of Windows games “to expand PC gaming” and release “ultraportables” in the future

Valve has been supporting Fex, an open-source initiative for enabling Windows games to run on ARM architecture, for nearly ten years. The Fex compatibility layer was developed to ensure reliability for gamers. Valve aims to expand PC gaming options by allowing Windows games to operate on ARM devices, which could include low-power laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The company is developing an ARM version of SteamOS that will maintain the same core components as its x86 version, with a tailored version of Proton that includes the Fex emulator. While there are challenges with compatibility, particularly with modern multiplayer titles and anti-cheat mechanisms, Valve is working to address these issues. The demand for alternatives to Windows in the gaming market is increasing, particularly with the success of SteamOS on the Steam Deck.
Windows 10’s demise fuels Linux hype again — but will Bazzite finally break the “forever up‑and‑comer” curse? There's a chance.
Winsage
December 3, 2025

Windows 10’s demise fuels Linux hype again — but will Bazzite finally break the “forever up‑and‑comer” curse? There’s a chance.

Microsoft has discontinued support for Windows 10, leading to around 500 million PCs being eligible for an upgrade to Windows 11, though many users remain on the unsupported platform. Zorin OS has gained approximately 780,000 users migrating from Windows within a month of this decision. Bazzite, a Linux-based gaming distribution, surpassed one petabyte of ISO downloads in a month, serving around 150,000 ISOs and attracting 730,000 visitors. Bazzite offers better hardware compatibility and pre-installed drivers for NVIDIA and AMD GPUs, making it a strong alternative to SteamOS. The improved compatibility of Windows games on Linux, aided by Valve's Proton, is contributing to the trend of users exploring alternatives to Windows.
"It just works": Valve talk the Steam Frame, Android games on SteamOS, and putting a PC on your face
BetaBeacon
November 14, 2025

“It just works”: Valve talk the Steam Frame, Android games on SteamOS, and putting a PC on your face

Valve has announced the Steam Frame, a new VR headset that aims to allow users to play as many VR and non-VR games as possible. The headset runs Steam games from its own onboard storage and uses controllers with a more conventional layout. The Frame's ARM-based Snapdragon chip poses challenges and opportunities for compatibility with Android VR games. Valve is working on platform crossover plans to allow Android VR titles on Steam, using an x86-to-ARM emulator called FEX. The Frame will be able to run PC games as well as Android VR games due to its SteamOS platform. Valve is focusing on providing a seamless gaming experience for customers without them having to worry about technical details. The Frame will also support mixed reality with the right third-party hardware additions.
Android games are coming to Steam, starting with the Frame VR headset
BetaBeacon
November 13, 2025

Android games are coming to Steam, starting with the Frame VR headset

Valve has confirmed that Android titles are now officially supported on SteamOS, allowing developers to publish their Android or Meta Quest VR APKs directly to the platform without creating a separate version. Valve has also implemented its Proton compatibility layer to enhance the gaming experience on Steam. They are launching a developer kit program to help developers port their games.
Valve cracks the door on Steam to Android games
BetaBeacon
November 13, 2025

Valve cracks the door on Steam to Android games

Valve's Steam has 35+ million concurrent users, making it the largest PC gaming storefront in terms of active engagement. Android games will run natively on Valve's new Steam Frame, which runs on an Arm-based Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 platform. Developers can reuse their existing toolchain when bringing Android games to Steam, but will need to integrate Steamworks features. Valve's broader Arm ambitions include paving the way for SteamOS to be more broadly supported across Arm devices. By embracing Android games, Valve is breaking down platform walls to benefit developers and players, potentially making it one of Steam's most important platform expansions in years.
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