Not just Proton: Getting to know Valve's new SteamOS compatibility layers
Summary
Valve is adding two new software tools to help more games work on SteamOS, the operating system used in their Steam Deck and Steam Frame devices. These tools, called FEX and Lepton, help run Windows and Android games on different hardware, especially on ARM-based devices like the Steam Frame VR headset.Key Facts
- Proton is the existing tool that lets Windows games run on SteamOS, which is based on Linux.
- FEX is a new emulator that runs Windows (x86) games on ARM processors by translating instructions.
- Valve has funded FEX’s lead developer and supported the project for many years before it became ready.
- FEX uses graphics libraries like OpenGL and Vulkan to improve game performance.
- Valve plans to use SteamOS on more ARM devices beyond the Steam Frame headset.
- Lepton is a new tool that runs Android apps (APKs) on SteamOS using software containers.
- Many VR games on Steam Frame are running as Android apps through Lepton because they were made for Oculus Quest headsets originally.
- About half of the early games rated “Great on Frame” run through the Lepton Android compatibility layer.
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