Steam gets Arm Linux support with Proton 11.0-Beta1; the Switch is already showing the way

Proton 11.0-Beta1 adds Arm Linux support, opening up the possibility of running Steam on the Nintendo Switch with FEX 2604. Learn what changes for ARM devices.

Proton 11.0-Beta1 brings Arm Linux support

Valve has released the Proton 11.0-Beta1 test version, which, among other new features, brings native support for Arm Linux devices. Although it is still a beta version, there have already been demonstrations of the Steam UI running on the Nintendo Switch.

This evolution could expand Steam support to open devices from brands like Retroid, AYN, and Ayaneo, broadening options beyond traditional consoles.

Steam Linux ARM64 on the Switch and what changes

An ARM64 Steam Linux beta is running on the Switch, with the community pointing to a functional copy of proton arm + steamrt arm that can be installed to run games with this client.

The key change appears in the ARM64 Builds section of Proton 11.0-Beta1. The FEX 2604 included in the update promises to translate x86 instructions for Arm Linux, opening the door for x86 games to run on ARM hardware.

This feature may be linked to plans for the Steam Frame, an Arm headset, cited as a target since the introduction of the Arm line.

Impacts for the Arm ecosystem

• Arm devices with Linux will be able to run games via Steam locally, expanding hardware options.
• Valve is planning a Verified list for the Steam Frame, helping users choose titles that work well without relying on streaming.
• The reference hardware discussed includes the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 with 16 GB of LPDDR5X, illustrating the expected performance level.
• Fixes brought by the Beta include the Steam Overlay for EA games and intro playback in Crimson Desert.

How to get Proton 11.0-Beta1

For those already using SteamOS, the update appears in the Steam library, facilitating adoption on devices like the Deck.

With Proton 11.0-Beta1, Steam expands the reach of Arm and paves the way for local gaming and streaming options on various platforms.

Did you like the news? Comment below: which Arm device do you want to see getting native Steam support with Proton and FEX?

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