Since the release of the Steam Deck, Valve fans have become intimately acquainted with the Proton compatibility layer, which allows Windows games to run on the Linux-based SteamOS. Now, to expand SteamOS's reach on the Steam Frame, Valve has introduced two new compatibility layers: FEX and another unnamed one. FEX is a port of the open-source fex-emu project, which emulates x86 processor instructions on Arm chipsets. This powerful tool has grown from a small cross-platform project into a robust recompiler supporting modern x86 instructions, and even offers code caching to reduce stuttering.

The development of FEX, initially a prototype, has been funded by Valve since its early stages. Ryan Houdek, the lead developer, acknowledges Valve’s support, which has allowed him to design and framework the project for long-term use. This project has not only been beneficial for Valve but has also been opened up for others to adapt, making it a milestone in cross-platform gaming technology.

Valve is now exploring the integration of these new compatibility layers into a broader SteamOS ecosystem, aiming for a more general SteamOS for Arm devices. This could mean a wide array of devices, from smart TVs to home entertainment systems, could run SteamOS, creating a more unified gaming experience across various hardware.

While the journey to perfect these compatibility layers has been long, the future looks promising. Pierre-Loup Griffais, a Valve engineer, envisions a future where SteamOS is available on a variety of Arm devices, making the Steam ecosystem more accessible and versatile than ever before.