Blog SteamOS 3 Review – The Official Gaming Distro for 2025 Praveen DiwakarJune 8, 20250373 views SteamOS 3, developed by Valve, is the operating system that powers the popular Steam Deck — and in 2025, it has become a go-to choice for desktop and console-style PC gamers alike. Built on Arch Linux and designed around Steam Big Picture/Game Mode, it offers a truly console-like experience on Linux. Performance for Gaming SteamOS 3 is optimized for performance and low-latency input. With Proton deeply integrated, users can play thousands of Windows games seamlessly on Linux. Updates and drivers are handled by Valve, and the Game Mode UI puts all your games front and center with minimal distraction. 15 Best Linux Distributions for Gaming in 2025 User Experience Unlike traditional desktop distros, SteamOS 3 boots directly into Steam’s Gaming Mode, bypassing the desktop entirely (though Desktop Mode is still available for advanced users). This makes it perfect for couch gaming setups, HTPCs, or anyone who wants to turn their PC into a console. Pros: Official Steam support and updates Console-like experience out of the box Excellent Proton & controller support Rolling-release Arch base for latest packages Cons: Not suited for non-gaming productivity Limited customization for desktop users Final Verdict If your PC is primarily a gaming machine and you want a no-fuss console experience, SteamOS 3 is the ultimate pick in 2025. Backed by Valve, it’s built for gaming from the ground up — and it shows. Also Read – Pop!_OS vs SteamOS 3 gaming comparison.