Valve has simply introduced that it is introducing one other compatibility examine system for gaming handhelds, this time to confirm whether or not third-party machines operating Steam Deck OS can nonetheless run sure video games. The transfer comes because the Steam Deck compatibility system comes beneath hearth for verifying video games that hardly run on the hand held, whereas new SteamOS handhelds, such because the Lenovo Legion Go S, are ready within the wings.
Regardless of hefty competitors, the Steam Deck stays the most effective handheld you should buy for gaming proper now, because of the graceful usability of SteamOS in comparison with the customarily clunky expertise of utilizing Home windows on various gadgets. Nevertheless, the present Valve certification system for video games has are available in for heavy criticism over the previous few weeks, with video games similar to Indiana Jones and the Nice Circle on Steam Deck getting full Verified standing, regardless of hardly ever with the ability to hit 30fps on the Deck, and with extraordinarily lengthy loading occasions too.
This new SteamOS compatibility score will work alongside the prevailing Steam Deck compatibility system, with each scores seen on the Steam Retailer’s recreation pages. For those who personal a Valve Steam Deck, you then examine the Steam Deck score – in case you personal one other SteamOS machine, similar to the brand new Lenovo Legion Go S, you then examine the SteamOS score as an alternative. Valve says the compatibility examine will cowl anti-cheat methods, launchers, and different in-game options, in addition to the sport itself, to make sure it is going to run on SteamOS.
Handily for Valve, the system additionally sidesteps any potential criticism for efficiency and enter compatibility with each SteamOS machine, with Valve sating that “this score doesn’t embody testing outcomes for efficiency and enter, since we won’t know (and haven’t examined) how all titles will run on all potential {hardware}.” Mainly, the system will simply inform you whether or not the sport will basically work in your SteamOS machine, however not how properly it is going to run together with your particular {hardware}.
Valve says it expects over 18,000 video games to be awarded SteamOS suitable standing when the system is rolled out over the subsequent few weeks, which means the Lenovo Legion Go S goes to get a fairly good recreation catalog when it launches, at the least when it comes to titles that work on the OS. In my Lenovo Legion Go S check at CES earlier in 2025, I used to be actually impressed by the brand new machine, which is comfy to carry, appears to be like nice with its iridescent chassis, and can also be extra highly effective than the Steam Deck, because of its AMD Ryzen Z2 Go CPU.
For those who’re seeking to purchase a brand new handheld now, take a look at our Asus ROG Ally X evaluation, in addition to our Steam Deck OLED evaluation, the place we put two of the most effective new transportable gaming gadgets by means of their paces.
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