SteamOS 3 is a Arch-family Linux distribution based on Arch Linux. Valve's immutable, gaming-first handheld operating system powering the Steam Deck.
Strengths: Instant suspend and resume during mid-game sessions; Seamless integration with Steam Deck controls and power profiles; KDE Plasma desktop mode accessible with 1 tap. Trade-offs: Primarily hardware-tuned for Steam Deck; desktop general ISOs rely on community ports like Bazzite/HoloISO.