SteamOS 3 finally released by Valve for other handheld

So if I replace windows with this does that mean I can say 'I use arch btw'?

Yes, welcome
It's not intended for desktop use.
- Users should not consider SteamOS as a replacement for their desktop operating system
  ah crap, I missed that line entirely.
- It's very funny to see so many people waiting for a desktop version to switch to Linux on their computer when it wasn't developed to be a desktop OS in the first place and there's similar OS actually meant to be used on desktop PCs that exist...
- And here i am using steamos for work 😂
You can without using it if you really want to. I probably wouldn't though. I use Garuda, which is Arch based, but I don't say I use Arch ever. However, basically everything on the Arch wiki will apply (which is probably the greatest resource for Linux even if not on Arch), and also the AUR will work.
Just so you're aware though like others have said, this should probably not replace Windows for your desktop. It's designed for a handheld, not a desktop. Use a distro designed for desktop if you want to. Garuda has a great version for gaming that gets you up and running in minutes. There are a lot of other great choices too.

if this is what it takes for people to start taking their first look at using linux, then i'm 100% here for it. it isn't a desktop OS yet, but it's definitely got eyes on the penguin now.

it cannot be understated just how much work valve has put into making linux gaming viable. and it's going to matter a lot more than some might think

Given the rapid deterioration of Windows/Microsoft, I 100% agree. I'll be trying to install on my Ally this weekend.
It wasn't what introduced me to linux entirely, but it is absolutely what made me realize that Linux COULD be user friendly, so I definitely give credit to Valve for that. I am now gearing up to make the switch in the near future on my desktop.

I have been following the updates in beta and preview, which have been every few days.

For those with an AMD handheld waiting for a stable release, this is it. RIP windows

Oh, and I use it is desktop mode half the time, works good for me.

Most users aren't going to install a new OS, especially on a handheld.
The third party devices coming out with SteamOS already installed are significantly more interesting than this .iso.
- Most users aren’t going to install a new OS, especially on a handheld
  This makes it easier for third-party devices to come with it stock installed or for people like you and me to set it up for friends. The kind of people who want handheld PCs are already going to skew more tech savvy, so I would not downplay how significant this release is.
  Clearly it was worth valve’s time and attention, so my guess is they know something you don’t lol
- Do true. I use PC game pass. There is no Linux support
For the ROG Ally, How about for the back buttons and the "armory crate" buttons? Does this finally have the functionality?
It says only Lenovo Legion Go huh? Guess not yet....
- From my experience, the back buttons on my device didn't appear to work until a recent update, I expect device support to continue as future updates continue.
  I expect much more success from steamOS in the future compared to Windows.

So they (Valve) can count to 3 ‽

SteamOS
SteamOS 2
SteamOS 2: Episode One
SteamOS 2: Episode Two
SteamOS: Alyx
- You forgot SteamOS: Blue Shift and SteamOS: Opposing Force. (The latter of which has a Windows theme)

No it's not

Does this mean I can install SteamOS on any device? We expect most SteamOS users to get SteamOS preinstalled on a Steam Deck or device that incorporates SteamOS. The only devices officially supported on SteamOS right now are Steam Deck and Legion Go S.

Lack of official support for a lot of devices does not make it "not released".
I can get it right now and install it on an AMD 'puter. I expect to manually install some drivers at least to get it fully working, but since the base OS is Arch, that's pretty explored territory.
Just because it's not officially supported does not mean it's released.
And it was released in 2013. This post title doesn't make much sense.
- Steam OS 3 has basically no ties its processors which makes this release meaningful
They say that any AMD powered handheld should work. This is not a contradiction to your post:
Currently, expanded support includes devices with AMD hardware and an NVME drive, targeted toward handheld devices. Please note, support for all devices that is not officially 'Powered by SteamOS' is not final (currently anything that is not a Steam Deck or Legion Go S)
- It's released in the sense that they have a recovery image to reinstall it on officially supported devices, it isn't the desktop SteamOS release people are saying it is. You still shouldn't use it as a normal distro
https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/1B71-EDF2-EB6D-2BB3
It's here.

Release for pc!!! I want to replace windooze with this

Unless you specifically want Steam OS's gaming mode, any Linux distro (Arch definitely) with KDE Plasma 6 will give you more or less the same experience. Not that I don't think Valve should do so.
- With the same game comparability as steamos? Idk much about this stuff…
Bazzite, Kubuntu, and Fedora are all great options for you. Bazzite can boot into a SteamOS-like dedicated gaming mode. If you want more flexibility over your system, Kubuntu or Fedora are both great choices. Since Proton works on all Linux flavors, there’s no need to wait. You can get the Windows-free gaming experience now.
If you are completely new to Linux, try Kubuntu first. If you want your system to feel more game-centric, choose Bazzite. If you want a little more control and freedom over your system, choose Fedora.
It’s hard to go wrong with Linux. The most impactful choice is your desktop environment (DTE), and all of the ones I mentioned use KDE Plasma 6+, which is fantastic. It’s like what Windows could be if Microsoft wasn’t so aggressively anti-UX.
- Tbh I don't agree at all that kubuntu is easier for beginners, that may have been the case 5 or so years ago, but bazzite and aurora are the best now, also there's literally no reason to use fedora over bazzite or aurora since they're literally the same thing except with some added packages and important fixes (especially the ffmpeg fix that makes twitch work)
  I honestly think ubuntu based distros are an outdated suggestion for beginners, I think immutability is extremely important for someone who is just starting out, as well as starting on KDE since it’s by far the most developed DE that isn’t gnome and their… design decisions are unfortunate for people coming from windows.
  I think only immutable kde distros should be recommended to beginners as a result, the mere fact that bazzite and other immutables generate a new system for you on update and let you switch between and rollback automatically is enough for me to say it’s better, but it also has more up to date software, and tons of guides (fedora is one of the most popular distros, and bazzite is essentially identical except with some QoL upgrades).
  How common is the story of “I was new to linux and completely broke it”? that’s not a good user experience for someone who’s just starting, it’s intimidating, scary, and I just don’t think it’s the best in the modern era. There’s something to be said about learning from these mistakes, but bazzite essentially makes these mistakes impossible.
  Furthermore because of the way bazzite works, package management is completely graphical and requires essentially no intervention on the users part, flathub and immutability pair excellently for this reason.
  I have 15 years of linux experience and am willing to infinitely troubleshoot if you add me on matrix.
- How is HDR support? One of the only reasons I updated to Win 11 was Auto HDR features.
Why wait for steam os? Bazzite and others already do everything steam os does and probably better and more.
- I agree but steam OS is going to be a hell of a lot more popular and have more support as a result.
- Other Linux distro can't compete with valve. Valve constantly updates their OS and drivers. There is no way other distro can compete.
  I have a steam deck. Valve releases updates almost once a month.

How do we reinstall all the bloatware, advertising, and data mining that is included in Windows. After using it for decades I have certain expectations of my operating system, if I'm not paying money to be monetized it just wouldnt feel the same.

According to redditors bazzite is still the better solution for the ROG Ally.

I was interested in installing it on mine but honestly I mostly play Gamepass games so it doesn’t make much sense for me

Can't speak for handhelds, but I've been running Bazzite on my desktop for a year now and I love it. There are probably use cases for which an immutable distro can be limiting, but for my purposes it hasn't been an issue at all.
I just switched my laptop and desktop to Bazzite and it's quite cool, if I were installing a custom OS on a device I'd rather install that than SteamOS

Imagine, if steam was owned by Nintendo 😂😂😂

You are getting a Lawsuit, you are getting a Lawsuit, the whole world is getting a Lawsuit.

Would anyone who’s tested this say if it’s worth replacing Bazzite with?

On a handheld? Probably depends how much you use it outside game mode and what you do with it.
On a desktop? No. It's not intended to be a fully functional desktop OS.
- Ah. I'm using a Desktop so i'll probably be sticking with Bazzite then

It was released 12 years ago.

(Either way I edited the tile, and to be precise, it was released 11 years and 7 months ago)

SteamOS was originally released in 2013 - I'm not sure why this post says it's finally 'released' now.

I think you know.
Its talking about the newer SteamOS 3.0
- No the guys is right, at first the title did only mention SteamOS, that's why!
- Its talking about the newer SteamOS 3.0
  SteamOS 3.0 was released March 2022, so more than 3 years ago.

Lol "finally".