Valve’s SteamOS is experiencing a notable uptick in market share, as evidenced by the latest Steam Hardware & Software survey. The data reveals a 0.32% increase in SteamOS’s presence, while Microsoft’s Windows 11 has seen a decline of 0.44%. This shift suggests a migration of gamers towards Valve’s Linux-based operating system, particularly as Windows 11 prepares for significant updates aimed at enhancing the gaming experience.
The survey results indicate that approximately four million players, out of Steam’s impressive 132 million user base, are now opting for SteamOS. This growth is particularly intriguing, as it may reflect the rising popularity of handheld gaming devices, a trend that gained momentum with the launch of Valve’s Steam Deck in 2022. Many gamers are finding that SteamOS offers superior game performance, accessibility, and a suite of features that cater to their needs.
Both Valve and Microsoft have committed to refining their operating systems. Valve plans to broaden SteamOS’s compatibility with various handheld devices and desktop PCs, while Microsoft is set to introduce a ‘full-screen experience’ for its Xbox PC app, debuting on the ROG Xbox Ally. This new feature aims to enhance the gaming experience on Windows 11, yet the question remains whether it will be enough to halt SteamOS’s upward trajectory.
Analysis: I doubt the new Xbox PC app ‘full-screen experience’ will check the SteamOS momentum
In my view, the anticipated Xbox PC app ‘full-screen experience’ may struggle to divert attention from SteamOS, which has already captured my loyalty, particularly in the handheld gaming arena. While I acknowledge that Microsoft has potential and I plan to explore their new offering upon release, the groundwork appears to favor Valve in the realm of PC gaming.
Utilizing Bazzite, a SteamOS clone, has provided me with exceptional tools for UI customization and enhanced game performance through features like Decky Framegen and Decky Lossless Scaling. Although Windows 11 offers similar tools, the navigation and tinkering involved, especially on a handheld device, can be cumbersome. This is why the promise of a ‘full-screen experience’ is appealing, as it seems to parallel SteamOS’s game mode.
Microsoft’s initiatives to elevate gaming on its platform are commendable and will likely attract a segment of gamers when they launch with the ROG Xbox Ally. However, I remain skeptical that these efforts will significantly impede the momentum that SteamOS has built.
