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Here's something that could be exciting but also could be a whole lot of nothing. So keep expectations firmly in check, but work submitted for Linux kernel 6.6 show something interesting from Valve. Potentially a Steam Deck refresh or their new VR headset perhaps?

The note comes from Phoronix, who as usual goes over basically every little thing Linux kernel related. They found work being pulled in for Linux kernel 6.6 sound updates, that includes additions for AMD Van Gogh, the chip used in the Steam Deck. However, when you look into the full updates and scroll down for a while there's this interesting little bit:

So here we have Galileo and Sephiroth being added for Valve - the question is what are they? They're being added under "Valve Jupiter device", with Jupiter being one of the names Valve seems to use for SteamOS. Considering the current SoC in the Steam Deck is named Aerith, a refresh of Sephiroth would continue their fun Final Fantasy inspired naming.

They could point to a lot of things: a Steam Deck refresh, the new VR headset we know they're working on, some developer boards they use in-house or anything really. We really have no idea but it's always fun to wonder about what it could turn out to be.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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Jackson Sep 5, 2023
I always feel like they are going to bring back the Original Steam Machines, but instead of it failing by relying on native ports, now they can use Steam OS on it. That would be a very interesting project and I believe it would greatly contribute to Linux gaming. Just like Steam Deck has up until now.

Would love to see what kind of impact a home console from steam would bring not only to the PC gaming market, but also to the Linux gaming space!
Liam Dawe Sep 5, 2023
Quoting: JacksonI always feel like they are going to bring back the Original Steam Machines, but instead of it failing by relying on native ports, now they can use Steam OS on it. That would be a very interesting project and I believe it would greatly contribute to Linux gaming. Just like Steam Deck has up until now.

Would love to see what kind of impact a home console from steam would bring not only to the PC gaming market, but also to the Linux gaming space!
I think you mean Proton, not SteamOS specifically ;). Proton is what runs Windows games on Linux.
Jackson Sep 5, 2023
Quoting: Liam Dawe
Quoting: JacksonI always feel like they are going to bring back the Original Steam Machines, but instead of it failing by relying on native ports, now they can use Steam OS on it. That would be a very interesting project and I believe it would greatly contribute to Linux gaming. Just like Steam Deck has up until now.

Would love to see what kind of impact a home console from steam would bring not only to the PC gaming market, but also to the Linux gaming space!
I think you mean Proton, not SteamOS specifically ;). Proton is what runs Windows games on Linux.

I meant both Proton & Steam OS combined, correct!

Long.. long time lurker, much love for all you do Liam
Brokatt Sep 5, 2023
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Quoting: JacksonI always feel like they are going to bring back the Original Steam Machines, but instead of it failing by relying on native ports, now they can use Steam OS on it. That would be a very interesting project and I believe it would greatly contribute to Linux gaming. Just like Steam Deck has up until now.

Would love to see what kind of impact a home console from steam would bring not only to the PC gaming market, but also to the Linux gaming space!

What I would want is a version of the Steam Deck without the screen, a Steam Brick if you will. I think that could be really popular both for desk and couch gaming. Sure you can get a dock a get almost the same experience but not entirely.
CatKiller Sep 5, 2023
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QuoteThey're being added under "Valve Jupiter device", with Jupiter being one of the names Valve seems to use for SteamOS.
I could be wrong, but I think that "Jupiter" is the hardware platform of the Steam Deck - the computer gubbins - and "Neptune" is the input platform of the Steam Deck - the controller gubbins. SteamOS itself is called Holo for the version with the Deck, and was named after DOTA characters for the Steam Machines - .Alchemist, Brewmaster, and Clockwerk.

If we assume that there's some underlying logic to the codename, Galileo the person and Galileo the probe are both famed for looking at Jupiter, which suggests it might be a Valve gaming platform linked somehow with visuals: a new display, or VR, maybe? It's all pretty thin, though.
CatKiller Sep 5, 2023
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Quoting: BrokattWhat I would want is a version of the Steam Deck without the screen, a Steam Brick if you will. I think that could be really popular both for desk and couch gaming. Sure you can get a dock a get almost the same experience but not entirely.
Make one yourself. There are quite a few dinky NUC-like machines available, or you can just plug any computer into a TV or monitor. Install Linux on it, autolaunch Steam Big Picture, and pair it with a PlayStation controller. Job jobbed.
Purple Library Guy Sep 5, 2023
Quoting: BrokattWhat I would want is a version of the Steam Deck without the screen, a Steam Brick if you will.
Nothing easier. Roll of masking tape, done.
tuubi Sep 5, 2023
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Quoting: Purple Library Guy
Quoting: BrokattWhat I would want is a version of the Steam Deck without the screen, a Steam Brick if you will.
Nothing easier. Roll of masking tape, done.
Or an actual brick to smash the screen.
Purple Library Guy Sep 5, 2023
Quoting: JacksonI always feel like they are going to bring back the Original Steam Machines, but instead of it failing by relying on native ports, now they can use Steam OS on it. That would be a very interesting project and I believe it would greatly contribute to Linux gaming. Just like Steam Deck has up until now.

Would love to see what kind of impact a home console from steam would bring not only to the PC gaming market, but also to the Linux gaming space!
OK, imagine a Steam Machine closely linked to the Deck, such that you have your couch with your big screen and your Steam Machine under it, and you wander into the room with your Deck in hand playing a game, sit down, there's a query on your Deck screen, you say Yes, and the game is now playing on the big screen and powered by the Machine, but you can just keep playing on your current controls and then, if you want, wander out of the room again and keep on playing somewhere else.
eldaking Sep 5, 2023
I can already see it, the beginning of their line of gaming bath toys: the Steam Duck!
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