SteamOS Adds Gamepad Support for More Handhelds

SteamOS 3.8.25 beta Three devices gained initial gamepad support—and another received an update. 3 initial additions 1 support update

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

Initial support Valve added initial gamepad support for MSI’s large Intel-powered handheld in the beta release. Initial support does not mean full device certification.

AYANEO Pocket S2

Unexpected addition The Android-based Snapdragon handheld appears in the controller-support list—but this alone does not prove SteamOS can be installed on it.

Konkr FIT

Initial support Valve added initial gamepad support for the Konkr FIT in the same SteamOS beta update.

OneXPlayer Apex

Support updated Valve updated gamepad support for the OneXPlayer Apex with new firmware.

Why this update matters

4 The notes include a dedicated “Non-Valve Devices” section, showing Valve’s continued work beyond its own hardware. 3 initial additions 1 firmware update

Gamepad support is not full certification

Important limitation Valve did not announce complete device compatibility or SteamOS certification for these models.

SteamOS vs. Windows

The attraction SteamOS Console-like interface and a focused gaming experience. Windows Broader software access and established vendor drivers. Neither is automatically best for every handheld.

Three initial additions, one update

What Valve confirmed MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, AYANEO Pocket S2 and Konkr FIT gained initial gamepad support. OneXPlayer Apex support was updated with new firmware.

Linux handheld support keeps widening

Our takeaway This beta does not promise full SteamOS support, but it expands controller compatibility across more hardware. Follow LinuxPanda for updates Primary source: Valve’s SteamOS 3.8.25 Beta notes, 7 August 2026