MetaPC is the first third-party announced PC with SteamOS built-in for a long time.
SteamOS is an Arch-based Linux operating system. It was initially designed for gamers. It is also designed to be accessible for general users. The Linux open-source community has continuously improved the system and supporting software. This effort makes the end-user experience easier.
I feel the internet community is frustrated with Steam Machine prices. I can only agree with half of those complaints. Rising RAM prices are a universal issue. Apple, for instance, has also increased its tech pricing.
Steam Machine on Steam Store page
The internet mostly discusses the Steam Machine’s price tag of over $1,000. However, Valve is making a grand plan. They aim to conquer the PC world with SteamOS. This OS is natively shipped on the Steam Deck. The second native machine is the recently launched Steam Machine. People are now receiving these machines via pre-order lotteries. While some YouTubers claim to build better versions themselves, was this truly Valve’s goal?
Now, MetaPC Steamroller (a third-party) will ship with SteamOS, not Windows.
MetaPC Steamroller on their website
Shipping SteamOS through a third party is not a new attempt. The first effort failed, alongside the original Steam Machine. Prior problems included a lack of capacity to port games to Linux. Transition layers were also very poor back then. Valve could not handle the user demand seamlessly. They tried to push this responsibility onto manufacturers and third parties. That was a disaster.
Outdated Alienware Steam Machine from PCMag UK
But things have changed.
I have been running Bazzite for some time on my gaming / media server. It is an OS built to mimic the SteamOS experience, basically being SteamOS-like. I now see its full potential. It could be a complete replacement for older Windows setups. This includes using Windows with Steam in Big Picture mode for couch gaming.
Almost every game in your library is now playable without tinkering on SteamOS and SteamOS-like systems. Valve now seems to have the guts, patience, and resources. They are set to become the king of the PC world.
SteamOS vs Windows by theouterheaven.net
