Valve has updated its brand guidelines for the first time since 2017, with a very big hint that future third-party handhelds will be able to run SteamOS, the same system used by the Steam Deck. As the Steam owner moves further into gaming hardware and software, it appears that it’s looking to spread its wings further.
Since 2019, Valve has been serious about its hardware ambitions. In 2021, it announced the Steam Deck, which proved to be the best gaming handheld. Frequent recent updates since then have shown that the company doesn’t plan to slow down any time soon.
The changes are documented in a PDF file about Valve’s branding guidelines, which includes direct references to Valve’s custom-built Linux distribution, SteamOS, running on other hardware. It describes the “Powered by SteamOS” badge as being for “hardware running the SteamOS operating system, implemented in close collaboration with Valve.”
As with other hardware manufacturers that might ship Windows or Android, Valve seemingly wants to have the same type of branding as its fellow operating system makers.
Major changes such as this one also indicate that SteamOS might be almost ready to ship on other hardware. While the Linux distro can be installed on most modern PCs without the need for a Steam Deck, it still isn’t ready for the big time.
Recent updates have made it more compatible with competing handhelds, though, such as the Asus ROG Ally. Other updates to Proton, Valve’s Linux translation layer to get Windows apps running, now have better support for Nvidia graphics cards as well.
The other major tidbit is that Valve now has rules surrounding its branding on packaged boxes. A fake handheld box is shown, where Valve discusses the “Steam Included” badge. Valve states it wants the logo to be “less prominent” than the product’s own branding, as it seems that it is also planning to allow manufacturers to ship handhelds with Steam onboard.
Valve outlines similar rules for controllers, to which it will now allocate a “Steam Compatible” badge for any controller meeting the requirements. For example, Hori’s dedicated Steam controller would probably get this label if refreshed.
Valve also shared rules for Steam Link and VR compatibility, giving a better understanding for users looking to get a VR headset to play the best VR games.
While Valve and manufacturers tackle the handheld market, SteamOS and its alternatives such as Bazzite are great on lower-end machines. The best gaming mini PC designs can get a massive jolt of energy when the baggage of Windows leaves them, and we can get behind a future that involves a more powerful Steam Deck sitting under your TV.