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Handheld gaming is dramatically evolving with the expansion of Valve’s SteamOS beyond its original Steam Deck, ushering in a new era for portable computing on disparate hardware. Enthusiasts and tinkerers, like YouTuber ETA Prime, have begun installing SteamOS on non-supported devices such as the Lenovo Legion Go S, discovering notable performance enhancements. Similarly, Reddit users and other initiates followed suit exploring the potential of Steam's operating system. Initial results demonstrate that SteamOS may outperform Windows by reducing processing demands, offering a newfound advantage or perhaps underscoring a significant limitation of Windows for gaming on handheld devices. Valve’s official SteamOS 3.8 release promises further potential performance boosts on competitive handhelds such as the ASUS ROG Ally. Previously limited due to the locked thermal design power unique to Windows, SteamOS’s efficient computation has shown promise, even under unofficial means on devices like the ROG Ally and the Legion Go S. These advances have sparked excitement within the gaming community, particularly for those who see potential for a more console-like gaming experience powered by a Linux-based system. However, challenges remain; hardware-specific controls may not yet synergize seamlessly with SteamOS on third-party devices, potentially hindering a truly optimized gaming experience. Considering the strategic implications for Microsoft, which has had an enduring dominance with Windows, this competitive edge of SteamOS presents a new dynamic. The impact on the handheld gaming market signals a possible reversal in traditional dominance by Windows, which some might view as an opportunity for Linux’s broader adoption across gaming devices. Streamlining gaming performance and battery life improvements could potentially direct handheld PC user preferences towards SteamOS if these gains prove consistent as anticipated. A wider adoption can signify a turning point in platform preference and utilization examining both the gaming market and the mainstream potential of Linux systems.