Valve is collaborating with Intel and Nvidia to enhance SteamOS support for additional GPUs.

MSI’s Intel-powered Claw gaming handhelds have primarily been Windows devices, which means users have had to navigate the less-than-ideal experience of Windows on a handheld gaming PC. However, recent developments indicate a shift, as both Valve and Intel are collaborating, with content creators like YouTuber ETA Prime reporting positive experiences with SteamOS on Intel hardware.

The latest SteamOS 3.8 update from Valve introduces “initial firmware for upcoming Intel handhelds” and adds controller support for select MSI Claw models, including the popular 8 AI Plus from last year. ETA Prime managed to run a beta version of SteamOS 3.8 on this device, noting that while it’s “not perfect,” the overall functionality is quite solid. Additionally, a Reddit user successfully booted SteamOS on an Intel Arc B580 desktop GPU.

In conjunction with the announcement of the Steam Machine, Valve revealed plans for users to build their own Steam Machine-like desktops powered by SteamOS, starting with the SteamOS 3.8 release. Valve’s Pierre-Loup Griffais mentioned that the company is “working closely” with Intel, highlighting the significant efforts Intel has made to optimize the graphics stack.

Intel has been more reserved about specifics. During a recent briefing for the MSI Claw 8 EX AI Plus, Intel’s Nick Mijuskovic stated that there’s no timeline available for SteamOS support on Intel’s Panther Lake architecture, which includes the handheld-focused G3 Extreme chip. He acknowledged the demand for Linux support, mentioning that some team members are gamers on Linux themselves. “We are working on the Mesa driver, we are working with Valve, and that’s kind of all we can say for now,” he added.

Valve is also aware of the interest in SteamOS support for Nvidia hardware, but it seems we may have to wait a bit longer for that to materialize. Griffais confirmed that Valve is collaborating closely with Nvidia and has a dedicated team focused on Nvidia drivers, but he doesn’t anticipate support being ready this year.