Valve has confirmed that its Steam Client for Linux-based operating systems on Arm chips is not officially supported. This follows a user's report on GitHub detailing issues with Steam for Linux on ARM64 systems. A Valve developer responded that "Steam for Linux is not currently supported on Arm-based hardware," a stance consistent for years.
While Steam has expanded on Linux-based machines, official support is currently limited to systems running x86-64 processors from AMD and Intel. On Arm-based devices, Valve would likely need to make significant optimizations to get Steam for Linux working properly, but the potential user base is so small that the effort may not be justified. This is surprising given that Valve's VR headset, the Steam Frame, runs on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 mobile platform.
Valve specifically optimized its Steam OS for this chipset and ported its compatibility layer, Proton 11.0, to Arm. This version of Proton allows a full range of games designed for x86 to run on Arm hardware, but the Steam Client itself, which is crucial for game delivery, is not officially supported. Valve's Steam OS port for the Arm (ARM64) architecture has already inspired creativity in the modding community.
They are actively transforming Android-based gaming handhelds into miniature versions of the Steam Deck console. As mobile SoCs like Qualcomm's Snapdragon and MediaTek's Dimensity become more competitive in terms of integrated GPU and CPU capabilities, running a true desktop OS on these SoCs is unlocking new gaming experiences, as demonstrated by the modding community. For devices from makers like Ayaneo, Ayn, Retroid, and Konkr, community projects like Armada enable Arm-based devices that previously ran Android to utilize Steam OS.
However, when issues arise, don't expect Valve to resolve them.
Source: TechPowerUp News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing