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# You Can Now Officially Install SteamOS on Some Other Handhelds
- URL: https://itsfoss.com/news/steamos-third-party-handhelds/
- Published: 2025-05-23T13:16:04.000Z
- Updated: 2025-05-23T13:16:04.000Z
- Description: Valve's latest SteamOS update brings broader hardware support.
- Author: Sourav Rudra
- Tags: Gaming 🎮, News, #Import 2025-11-08 21:15

Based on Arch Linux, [SteamOS](https://store.steampowered.com/steamos/?ref=itsfoss.com) is a powerful and heavily customizable gaming distribution that's been optimized for Steam's vast library of games and handheld play.

It combines the bleeding-edge experience of [Arch Linux](https://itsfoss.com/install-arch-linux/) with an intuitive user interface and a host of supporting drivers, delivering a portable gaming experience that's only matched by the likes of the [Nintendo Switch](https://www.nintendo.com/us/gaming-systems/switch/?ref=itsfoss.com).

While SteamOS was initially meant for the [Steam Deck](https://store.steampowered.com/steamdeck?ref=itsfoss.com), it does run on other hardware, and now, with its latest release, there’s **better support for third-party handhelds**, making it easier for gamers to take advantage of what it has to offer.

## SteamOS 3.7.8: What's New?

![an illustration that shows the steamos logo, the legion go, the asus ally (white), and the steam deck](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/05/steam-os-legion-go-asus-ally-steam-deck.png)

**The Legion Go, ROG Ally, and the Steam Deck.*

Starting things off, we have the [Legion Go S](https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/handheld/legion-go-s/len106g0002?ref=itsfoss.com), which is now treated as **an officially supported handheld** by Valve, marking a significant turning point for SteamOS's hardware compatibility efforts.

Alongside this, they've **improved support for AMD-powered third-party handhelds**, including better compatibility with the [ROG Ally](https://rog.asus.com/gaming-handhelds/rog-ally/rog-ally-2023/?ref=itsfoss.com) and the original [Legion Go](https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/handheld/legion-go/len106g0001?ref=itsfoss.com). To go with that, they have put out [an FAQ](https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/1B71-EDF2-EB6D-2BB3?ref=itsfoss.com#:~:text=Installing%20SteamOS%20on%20other%20devices%C2%A0), guiding users on how to install SteamOS on AMD-powered handhelds.

Moving on from the hardware side of things, this release brings several important upgrades. SteamOS now uses **a newer Arch Linux base**, alongside [Linux kernel 6.11](https://itsfoss.com/linux-kernel-6-11-release/) and an updated Mesa implementation.

**For the desktop experience**, it makes use of [KDE Plasma 6.2.5](https://kde.org/announcements/plasma/6/6.2.5/?ref=itsfoss.com), with refinements like faster desktop/game mode switching, [KDE Filelight](https://apps.kde.org/filelight/?ref=itsfoss.com) being used for tracking disk usage, and tweaks for surround sound.

This update also enhances Bluetooth support by **improving connectivity and stability for wireless controllers and accessories**. Bluetooth devices no longer wake the Steam Deck from suspend mode when Bluetooth is disabled in desktop mode, and battery levels for supported devices are now displayed.

Additionally, **a new battery charge limit feature** is here, allowing users to set a charge limit for extending the battery life of their handhelds.

Some **other notable highlights** include:

- Support for the [ByoWave](https://byowave.com/?ref=itsfoss.com) Proteus controller.
- The introduction of [AMD P-State](https://docs.kernel.org/admin-guide/pm/amd-pstate.html?ref=itsfoss.com) CPU frequency control.
- Better dual-booting, with duplicate boot entries no longer being a problem.
- Fix for an issue where corrupt configuration files would prevent system updates from applying.

You can refer to the [release notes](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1675200/view/820329049655084700?ref=itsfoss.com) for more details.