Valve has rolled out a beta update for SteamOS, version 3.8.25, which includes initial gamepad support for several non-Valve gaming handhelds. The update specifically lists the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ among the newly supported devices.
Also receiving initial gamepad support are two devices from Ayaneo: the Ayaneo Pocket S2, an Android-first device powered by a Snapdragon processor that launched last June, and the Konkr Fit. The Konkr Fit, released recently under an Ayaneo sub-brand, is available with two AMD APU options, the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 and the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, and features TMR joysticks and Hall effect triggers that should benefit from this update.
A mention in the update notes also points to improved gamepad support for the OneXPlayer Apex, a handheld previously noted for its optional plug-in liquid cooling tower.
This expansion of SteamOS compatibility indicates Valve's continued effort to support the growing market of handheld gaming PCs. The update also includes a firmware fix for the Steam Machine, addressing a rare issue that could degrade CPU performance after waking from sleep. Despite ongoing hardware pricing challenges, Valve's ongoing development for SteamOS aims to ensure broader compatibility for users considering new handheld gaming devices.