Microsoft should be terrified of SteamOS

Ten years ago PC gamers were eagerly awaiting Steam Machines, console-style Linux boxes built from the ground up to play PC games. They flopped, due in no small part to Steam operator Valve’s lack of experience working with hardware partners. But in 2025, both Valve and its home-built gaming operating system are different beasts. And Microsoft should be afraid of them.

Further reading: How to use Steam Deck as a desktop PC

The Steam Deck dominates PC gaming

The big...