Valve is working with Nvidia to make its SteamOS operating system run on a wider range of computers, not just Valve's own hardware like the Steam Deck.
According to TechPowerUp, the two companies are collaborating to bring SteamOS support to more PCs. Tom's Hardware reports that Valve is preparing SteamOS for a general release and is working with Nvidia to ensure compatibility across more hardware.
The key detail comes from Valve engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais, who, as Tom's Hardware reports, said the company is expanding SteamOS compatibility with Nvidia and other hardware platforms. In practice, that should make it easier for people to install the gaming-focused operating system on machines Valve didn't build.
There are caveats. Tom's Hardware notes that installing SteamOS still requires a complete system wipe, meaning users can't simply add it alongside their existing setup yet. The outlet also reports that Valve has hinted at dual-boot capabilities in the future, which would let a single machine run both SteamOS and another operating system such as Windows.
SteamOS is built around Valve's Steam gaming platform and has so far been most visible on the company's Steam Deck handheld. Broadening hardware support, especially with cooperation from Nvidia, one of the largest makers of PC graphics chips, points to Valve's ambition to make SteamOS a mainstream alternative rather than a device-specific system.
Why it matters: if Valve can get SteamOS running smoothly on everyday PCs with Nvidia hardware, gamers may gain a viable, console-like alternative to Windows for play.