While Linux is one popular operating system, many are not well-versed in this platform, but since the rise of the handheld gaming consoles, it has been an iconic one, now ranking second as the most Steam gaming users. It surpassed Mac on this, considering that Steam was made available on the Mac, but sees only limited games in its wake.
Despite those fighting in the second spot, the leader in these numbers remains, as Windows is still the most used OS when playing via Steam.
Linux Surpasses Mac on Steam Gaming
Steam's recent July Hardware & Software Survey unveiled the latest charts of the platform's use, with Linux rising in the ranks to take the second spot and left behind Apple's Mac. Despite a small number, the second most used operating system via Steam gaming went to Linux, featuring 1.96 percent of the total user base of the platform.
Mac comes in third with only 1.84 percent, dwindling to the third spot and beaten by the open-source software.
According to Ars Technica, this is because Linux is being featured as the OS used for gaming handhelds, particularly with the Steam Deck, which grew quite popular until today.
Windows Lead Steam Gaming Charts
Nevertheless, it is still Microsoft's Windows that leads the Steam gaming charts as the most used platform for the service. It holds a massive 96.21 percent which is almost unanimously in favor of Windows.
However, it is still the Windows 10 64-bit that leads the Steam statistics, with 57.87 percent of gamers still using the last-gen OS. Windows 11 comes in at second with only 36.67 percent of gamers using it to make up the latest numbers.
Steam and Handheld Gaming
Steam is already one of the most popular gaming platforms and services in the world, being a massive trove and source of the top and latest games from developers. Over time, Valve has added various enhancements and perks for gamers to enjoy, particularly its built-in Notes app that will help gamers add scribbles or remember things right on the platform.
In the wake of the handheld gaming console's uprising, Steam also grew in massive popularity as it was one of the earliest platforms made available on these devices. Not to mention that one of the proprietors of portable console gaming was Valve's Steam Deck, allowing gamers to get the PC experience anywhere with them.
With the rise of gaming handhelds, Steam became a massive focus for gaming as it allows cross-compatibility under one account. That being said, Linux is the used OS for the Steam Deck and it helped boost its numbers for gamers on Valve's distribution platform, essentially leaving behind Apple and Mac who recently announced a gaming focus coming with the Sonoma.
