Valve Claims SteamOS Isn’t Intended to Replace Windows

Valve’s SteamOS isn’t crafted to rival Windows, says one of their developers, Pierre-Loup Griffais. In a conversation with the French magazine Frandroid, he explained that the real objective is to ensure the software works seamlessly across different types of hardware. This comes right after Lenovo unveiled its Legion Go S, marking the first instance of third-party hardware sporting SteamOS.

“I don’t believe our aim is to dominate any market share or steer people away from using Windows,” Griffais stated. “If someone finds Windows suits them well, that’s perfectly fine. Our interest lies in developing a system with unique goals and priorities. If it ends up being a solid alternative for the average desktop user, that’s wonderful—it simply offers them more choices. But we’re not here to convince those who are already satisfied.”

Valve isn’t revisiting the idea of the Steam Machine, not even following the popular reception of the Steam Deck.

“We’re currently concentrating on handhelds,” continued Griffais. “However, as our work progresses to cover more platforms and improve experiences across various devices, we’ve made strides in making these consoles easy to connect to screens and controllers. We’re not prioritizing a Steam Machine at the moment, but we’re leaving the door open for future possibilities, whether it involves partnerships or internal developments.”