Valve is looking beyond the Steam Frame VR headset to broaden the compatibility of Steam games on ARM-based personal computers. The company has been quietly funding the development of FEX, an open-source x86-to-ARM emulator, and plans to leverage this technology to make previously challenging devices more capable of running PC games.
The Steam Frame itself is unique for its ability to run Steam games, both VR and traditional flat-screen titles, using its internal ARM-based compute hardware. This functionality is powered by FEX, which allows x86 architecture games—the standard for most PC processors like Intel Core and AMD Ryzen—to run on ARM processors, similar to how Valve's Proton technology enables Windows games to run on SteamOS. While only a limited number of games currently support ARM natively, FEX aims to bridge this gap for thousands more titles.
Valve engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais confirmed that the company is exploring broader applications for this technology. "Yeah, I think one of the things that we want to do, and that the Frame is kind of paving the way for, is just more general SteamOS for ARM, right?" Griffais stated. This suggests a future where devices such as ultraportable laptops, 2-in-1s, and mini PCs with ARM processors could potentially run a significant portion of the Steam library locally.
However, enabling this compatibility may involve overcoming technical hurdles. ARM processors use varying "devicetrees," which are essentially maps that inform operating systems about the hardware components. Valve may need to gather extensive devicetree data to ensure FEX functions correctly across different ARM hardware configurations. Despite these challenges, Valve is committed to improving the gaming experience on ARM hardware.
"We want to enable all that stuff," Griffais continued. "And yeah, I think in general, ARM chips are more of a force that's coming on the PC side... We're interested in making sure people can have a good experience working through their whole library on there. And to not have a situation where... the worst case scenario would be 'Oh this device is good, and the specs are good, the value is good, but I have to leave a portion of my catalogue behind if I'm even considering it.'"
Valve's hardware development philosophy emphasizes creating technologies with versatile applications. Josh Hudman, another Valve engineer, highlighted this approach, noting that components developed for the Steam Frame, like its Tunnel Magnetoresistance (TMR) thumbsticks, also found their way into refreshed hardware like the Steam Controller. Technologies deemed too specific and not scalable to other projects were reportedly cut from the Frame to maintain this focus.
"A lot of the technology we work on, we try to keep that in mind," Hudman said. "When we do, like, thumbstick development, or wireless development, it's not necessarily, specifically focused on whether it's for VR hardware or whatever. It's more like, 'Is this technology going to make us better at developing future technologies? Does it improve the gaming experience? Is it just a general technology that's a good investment of time and energy?'"
This drive for broader technological application suggests Valve may pursue wider FEX support even if the Steam Frame, which launched at $1,059, does not meet sales expectations. The prospect of making more ARM devices capable of running a larger Steam library is a key objective for the company.