It seems the stage has been set for more SteamOS Linux devices to join the Steam Deck, as Valve will be partnering up with Lenovo at CES 2025. The news comes from The Verge, who got a press email invitation to the event, which I haven't seen.
As The Verge's Sean Hollister notes the email they received from Lenovo mentioned "The future of gaming handhelds is coming to CES '25".
Quite likely it will be the upcoming leaked Lenovo Legion Go S, which follows on from Valve updating their brand guidelines for SteamOS to include third-party hardware vendors. According to Hollister the email noted Valve developer Pierre-Loup Griffais will be there as Valve's "Chief Design Architect" for the event. Although, Jason Ronald, Microsoft VP of Xbox Gaming Devices and Ecosystem is also attending the event. We've seen from the leaks that Lenovo might have multiple handhelds likely to launch, so it makes sense if other devices will have Windows.
Leaked image of a new Lenovo Legion Go S, Credit: Evan Blass (X)
2025 is definitely going to be an interesting year. Looks like we're really going to start with a bang.
What do you make of all this? Are you excited?
As for potential sale numbers, I'll hope for 20-30% SteamOS. This would be high enough for other manufacturers to consider while also not being too overly optimistic.
Also if SteamOS handhelds are getting popular enough, it would allow Valve to push back a release for a Steam Deck 2. Given the performance demands for new titles, they would need to release a new one around 2026 to keep up, I imagine. But if other handhelds satisfy that demand, they could take their time without hurting SteamOS adoption.
STEAM MACHINES STEAM MACHINES STEAM MACHINES WE'RE BACK BABYI love your enthusiasm.
Yet another machine without touchpads and with the left thumbstick and D-pad the wrong way around. Really makes me appreciate how good the Steam Deck is by comparison.That square below the right stick looks like a tiny touchpad. I suppose it could be anything though.
STEAM MACHINES STEAM MACHINES STEAM MACHINES WE'RE BACK BABY
Welcome my son, welcome to the (steam) machine.
Microsoft VP of Xbox Gaming Devices and Ecosystem is also attending the event.
Makes me wonder if Xbox will make an entry and compete directly against Nintendo Switch in the next few years.
Most certainly a fingerprint reader for unlocking the system with biometrics.Yet another machine without touchpads and with the left thumbstick and D-pad the wrong way around. Really makes me appreciate how good the Steam Deck is by comparison.That square below the right stick looks like a tiny touchpad. I suppose it could be anything though.
Though such a sensor can be used as a touchpad too with the right firmware.
My e-Ink smartphone lets me scroll by sliding my finger over it's fingerprint sensor, to name an example.
STEAM MACHINES STEAM MACHINES STEAM MACHINES WE'RE BACK BABY
Finally, a ninth-generation gaming console I actually want. (I have a Switch and like it, but to me that's 8.5th-gen)
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