Unlock the Future: How Steam Machines Today Will Pave the Way for Steam Phones Tomorrow

Valve is shaking things up in the gaming world. The company has plans that could change how we experience games on various devices. Imagine playing PC games on smartphones! That’s right. Instead of waiting for developers to port these games, what if you could play them directly on your Arm-based devices?

This isn’t just a pipe dream. Valve’s new tech has made this possible. For instance, the Steam Frame isn’t just a headset; it’s packed with the technology to let people play their favorite Steam games on devices like the upcoming Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel.

I’ve even used this technology on my Samsung Galaxy. Although there isn’t an official Android version of the game Hollow Knight: Silksong, I still managed to play it. Thanks to open-source tools like Proton and the Fex emulator, games set for Windows PCs can run smoothly on Linux-based devices. Proton allows systems like the Steam Deck to bridge the Windows-to-Linux gap, and now Fex helps to connect x86 and Arm architectures.

Interestingly, Valve has supported the development of Fex from the ground up. In an interview, Pierre-Loup Griffais from Valve shared that the company has been quietly backing open-source projects that help run Windows games on Arm devices. “We believe game developers shouldn’t waste their time porting games when there’s a better way,” he emphasized.

This isn’t merely theoretical. Historical data shows a significant shift toward Arm technology. Recent statistics from ARM Holdings indicate that Arm chips are becoming more competitive, particularly in portable devices. This has led to higher adoption rates for mobile and smaller gaming devices. Valve’s investment in such technology reflects a growing trend in tech that favors more efficient computing.

Valve isn’t just creating the tech—it’s nurturing an ecosystem. The Fex project’s lead developer, Ryan Houdek, noted in conversations with Griffais how crucial this support has been to his work on the emulator. These collaborations underscore a commitment to making PC gaming more accessible on growing platforms.

As the gaming landscape changes, many are curious: will we see a Steam Phone in the future? While Valve has not confirmed anything, Griffais hinted that the company is open to the idea as they continue developing their tech for various devices. So, whether it’s through ultraportables or more complex handhelds, the future looks promising for gamers who want more freedom in how and where they play.

The switch to Arm technology opens doors to countless possibilities. Already, Valve is pushing to fracture the boundaries of traditional gaming. It’s exciting to think about what’s next, as we head into an era where playing PC games on mobile devices might become the norm rather than the exception.

For more information about Valve and its innovative tech initiatives, you can visit The Verge for additional insights.

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