Steam Frame Gets Mainline Linux Support, Signalling SteamOS Alternatives for VR

The Valve Steam Frame has been supported in downstream SteamOS kernel builds since its launch in September, but a new set of patches submitted for inclusion in the mainline Linux kernel 7.4 will officially add support for the new VR headset in the mainline Linux kernel. The patches were submitted by Neil Armstrong on behalf of Valve Software and provide initial support for the Steam Frame.

The patch notes specifically mention support for system reserved memory, regulators, GPIO keys PMIC functions, PMIC ADC channels, USB gadget, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth, I2C and basic peripherals, and the built-in SD card slot. While support isn't yet feature-complete, it lays the groundwork for further kernel support down the line and should make it significantly easier for other distributions to support the Steam Frame without implementing a bunch of custom code and tools. This is also just one of many Linux 7.4 patches that will improve hardware support in the upcoming Linux kernel version.