SteamOS 3.8 and Steam Machines Return: Valve Opens Ecosystem to Custom PCs

Valve has released SteamOS 3.8, enabling users to build their own Steam Machines using standard PC components, while third-party manufacturer MetaPC has announced a new line of pre-built SteamOS gaming PCs. The developments mark a significant expansion of the SteamOS ecosystem beyond the Steam Deck.

Valve's SteamOS 3.8 Release

Valve announced that with the release of SteamOS 3.8, users can assemble custom Steam Machines using any PC components. SteamOS 3.8.10 was released last week, improving compatibility with recent Intel and AMD platforms. According to Valve engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais, the core SteamOS experience, including graphics driver and shader precompilation, is available on suitable hardware.

Current Limitations and Future Plans

• Official SteamOS support is currently limited to the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go S, and Steam Machines.
• Beta support now includes systems with AMD discrete GPUs and other AMD-powered handhelds.
• Valve is collaborating with Nvidia on graphics driver support, though Griffais stated it may not arrive in 2026.
• The current SteamOS installation process is intended for fresh installation on a new PC and is not designed for dual-booting. Griffais stated he imagines future coexistence with other operating systems.
• Griffais noted that SteamOS offers a "good experience" on console-like PC setups connected to a TV with a single hard drive, but lacks HDMI-CEC support.
• Griffais stated that RAM suppliers are offering "take it or leave it" pricing, and Valve faces RAM supply constraints.

"The core SteamOS experience, including graphics driver and shader precompilation, is available on suitable hardware."
— Pierre-Loup Griffais, Valve Engineer

Background

Valve's first Steam Machines, launched in 2013, failed due to a limited game library. Previously, running SteamOS on non-AMD hardware was difficult, requiring a Steam Deck recovery image. Alternative gaming Linux distributions such as Bazzite and Nobara are available for users who prefer to wait for SteamOS improvements.

MetaPC Introduces SteamRoller Gaming PCs

MetaPC has introduced a new line of gaming PCs called SteamRoller, preinstalled with SteamOS. The systems start at $1,300 and feature the following components:

MetaPC claims the system can run games such as CS2, Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Baldur's Gate at high frame rates at 1080p. The desktop-grade CPU and GPU are expected to provide performance exceeding that of Valve's Steam Machine.

The SteamRoller PCs will be available on July 3.