
SteamOS Surges Ahead: Games Run Faster Than on Windows 11, New Tests Reveal!
2025-06-25
Author: Emily
SteamOS vs. Windows 11: The Performance Showdown
In a surprising turn of events, recent testing by Ars shows that Valve's SteamOS 3.7 is outperforming Windows 11 on the Lenovo Legion Go S, bringing a new edge to gaming enthusiasts. Almost a decade after Valve's earlier Steam Machines struggled in performance compared to Windows, it seems SteamOS has made a remarkable comeback.
The Battle of the Gaming Portables
While gamers have been able to run Windows on the Steam Deck since its launch in 2022, official support is lacking from Valve. Enter the Lenovo Legion Go S, a gaming handheld purposely built for both Windows 11 and SteamOS. This dual-functionality is a game changer, as it allows gamers to choose their preferred operating system.
Groundbreaking Performance Testing
To find out just how much of a difference the operating systems make, Ars put the Legion Go S through its paces. They tested five high-end 3D games released in the last five years using both SteamOS and freshly installed Windows 11. The results? A mixed bag that favors SteamOS we've never seen before!
Remarkable Frame Rate Improvements
The findings are shocking! SteamOS delivered higher frame rates in four out of five games tested. Notably, when playing 'Returnal' at high settings and 1920x1200 resolution, shifting from Windows to SteamOS catapulted the average from a frustrating 18 FPS to an impressive 33 FPS. In stark contrast, only 'Borderlands 3' performed similarly across both platforms.
Drivers: A Game-Changer?
While some gamers experienced worse performance with Windows’ default drivers, using updated drivers showed marked improvement. However, even with these upgrades, SteamOS still edged ahead, proving Valve's consistent enhancements to Proton are paying off.
Why SteamOS is Gaining an Edge
The advantages of SteamOS don't end there. The streamlined OS reduces overhead compared to the bulky Windows system, allowing for a smoother gaming experience. Microsoft's forthcoming "Xbox Experience for Handheld" acknowledges this efficiency issue, aiming to cut background activity for better gaming performance.
Valve's Bold Strategy
Despite its triumphs, SteamOS hasn't eliminated all obstacles. Numerous games still require intricate workarounds or are simply incompatible. Yet, these performance benefits give Valve a compelling selling point against Windows-based gaming devices.
A Stunning Value for Gamers
The cost aspect cannot be ignored: the SteamOS-powered Lenovo Legion Go S is priced at $599, which is $130 less than its Windows counterpart. Plus, it offers a far more user-friendly interface, making the transition smoother for any gamer.
The Future of SteamOS: What Lies Ahead?
With SteamOS rapidly gaining traction and solid performance advantages over Windows, the future looks bright. As Valve continues to evolve its software, the demand for SteamOS-exclusive games could further entice gamers to make the switch.