avatarAiden (Illumination Gaming)

Summary

The Steam Deck's popularity has propelled Linux to become the second most used OS on Steam, surpassing macOS.

Abstract

The Steam Deck, a powerful handheld gaming device, has significantly impacted the gaming industry by allowing users to access their entire Steam library on the go. This device has contributed to Linux overtaking macOS in popularity among Steam users, as reported in the July edition of the Steam Hardware & Software Survey. Linux's rise is largely due to the SteamOS version running on the Steam Deck, which accounts for 42% of the Linux user base on Steam. Despite Windows remaining the dominant OS, the Steam Deck's versatility and the ability to customize it like a regular PC have made it a top seller on Steam and a potential catalyst for broader Linux adoption.

Opinions

  • The author expresses that the Steam Deck is a significant advancement in portable gaming, offering a full PC gaming experience in a handheld form factor.
  • There is an excitement and anticipation surrounding the Steam Deck's ability to play demanding games like "The Witcher 3" and "Cyberpunk 2077" without compromising on performance.
  • The flexibility of the Steam Deck, including the option to install other operating systems such as Windows, is highly praised, catering to the PC gaming community's preference for customization.
  • The author suggests that the Steam Deck's success could lead to increased adoption of Linux beyond gaming, due to its user-friendly SteamOS interface and the growing interest in open-source platforms.
  • Valve's reputation and trust within the gaming community are seen as contributing factors to the Steam Deck's popularity and acceptance.
  • The author encourages readers to follow their profile for ongoing updates and insights into gaming news, technology, design, and social media trends.
  • The author promotes their other content, including articles on email marketing and earning money through platforms like Cliqly, and invites new writers to join their Medium publications.

Gaming News

MacOS Is Now in Third Place on the Steam OS List

Linux is now the second most used OS on Steam due to the Steam Deck.

Photo by Petar Vukobrat on Unsplash

In a bunch of my earlier posts, I’ve chatted about all sorts of stuff connected to Steam. You can find those linked below.

But right now, I want to dive into the cool Steam Deck and how Linux is totally rockin’ it on Steam.

Why is the Steam Deck so popular?

So, let’s talk about the Steam Deck and why it’s become such a big deal. Imagine a world where you can take your entire PC gaming library with you wherever you go, and I don’t mean just a handful of games — I’m talking about your entire Steam library. Well, that’s pretty much the magic of the Steam Deck.

First off, let’s address the elephant in the room: portable gaming. We’ve had handheld consoles before, like the Nintendo Switch, but the Steam Deck takes it up a notch. It’s like having a full-fledged gaming PC in the palm of your hand.

Gamers are drooling over the prospect of playing games like “The Witcher 3” or “Cyberpunk 2077” on the go without sacrificing graphics or performance. That’s some serious power in a small package!

Now, customization. PC gamers love to tinker and tailor their systems to their liking. The Steam Deck embraces that spirit. It’s running a customized version of SteamOS, which is based on Linux, but here’s the kicker: you can install other operating systems like Windows and mess around with it as if it were a regular PC. This flexibility is like a playground for tech enthusiasts who want to get the most out of their devices.

And hey, remember your massive library of games on Steam? Well, the Steam Deck lets you access all of that. It’s not like other handheld consoles that limit you to a specific game store. Gamers love their libraries, and being able to bring that immense collection on the go is like a dream come true.

Now, let’s chat about versatility. The Steam Deck isn’t just for gaming. Since it’s a PC, you can use it for work, browsing, media consumption — you name it. It’s like a Swiss Army knife for entertainment and productivity, and that’s a major selling point for folks who want a multipurpose device.

Last but not least, it’s Valve. This is the company that brought us iconic games like Half-Life and Portal, and they’ve got a loyal following. When Valve steps into the hardware arena, people take notice. There’s a level of trust and excitement that comes with a Valve product, and that’s definitely boosting Steam Deck’s popularity.

Linux surpassed MacOS on Steam?

Linux has just pulled off an impressive feat! It has officially outshined macOS, snatching the coveted title of the second-most popular operating system on Steam.

Now, don’t get me wrong, Windows still reigns supreme as the undisputed champion, but Linux has been making some serious waves lately. The July edition of the Steam Hardware & Software Survey spilled the beans on this exciting development.

Hold your horses, though — we’re not talking about a fair fight. Linux is like the spirited underdog that’s been catching everyone’s attention. Its rise in popularity among Steam users is nothing short of remarkable, and the credit for this meteoric ascent can be largely attributed to the sensational Linux-based Steam Deck.

Let’s break it down a bit. According to the sharp minds at Ars Technica, the SteamOS version of Linux, which powers the incredible Steam Deck, commands a staggering 42% of the Linux user base on Steam. Impressive, right? And what’s lagging behind in second place?

Well, that would be Arch Linux, but it’s far behind at a mere 7.94% adoption rate. Meanwhile, Windows continues to lord over the entire playground with a whopping 96.21% user share. Linux, as a whole, holds a modest 1.96%, while macOS is chilling out at 1.84%, sipping its digital cocktail.

Final Words

The Steam Deck is clearly enjoying its time in the limelight. This little wonder has firmly secured its place as one of Steam’s top sellers, holding an impressive #6 ranking on SteamDB.

Now, looking at the bigger Linux picture, I can’t help but wonder if the Steam Deck’s success might just light a fire under the broader adoption of the more hard-hitting, do-it-yourself OS ecosystem.

If you enjoy my posts and would like to stay updated on the latest gaming-related news, technology advancements, design trends, and social media insights, I invite you to follow my profile.

I will continue to share my thoughts and insights on a wide range of topics in the world of entertainment and technology.

With that being said, thank you for reading my post, and have a good one.

If you are interested in email marketing and earning a bit of cash I wrote an article about it and created a YouTube video.

Here is everything I wrote last month:

Here are a few of my previous stories relating to Steam I believe you will enjoy:

References

Linux overtakes macOS as Steam’s second most popular OS.

Linux overtakes Mac as Steam’s second-most used OS, and it’s all thanks to the Steam Deck.

Have you tried Cliqly yet?

About Me

I write articles in my field covering gaming, film-making, social media, and design. I am also a YouTuber. Thank you for subscribing to my account to get notifications when I post on Medium. I also created a new website to share my content for free and promote stories of writers contributing to my publications on Medium. I also have a Substack newsletter. Let’s connect on Twitter and LinkedIn.

I own two publications on Medium. One for video gamers and another for YouTubers and Podcasters. I also support Illumination Integrated Publications as a volunteer editor and participate in collaborative activities in the Slack Workspace. Writer applications for my publications can be sent via this weblink. Please add your Medium ID.

If you are new to Medium, you may join via my referral link. You may also consider being a Vocal+ member to monetize your content. I write for both platforms and repurpose my content to reach a larger audience. Here is more information about Vocal Media. I also enjoy email marketing using Cliqly.

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