# Valve has added ‘initial’ SteamOS gamepad support for several new gaming handhelds, including the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/valve-has-added-initial-steamos-gamepad-support-for-several-new-gaming-handhelds-including-the-msi-claw-8-ex-ai/
- Published: 2026-08-10T11:05:21+00:00
- Updated: 2026-08-10T12:08:15+00:00
- Original publisher: PC Gamer
- Original article: https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/handheld-gaming-pcs/valve-has-added-initial-steamos-gamepad-support-for-several-new-gaming-handhelds-including-the-msi-claw-8-ex-ai/
- Topics: Entertainment, Gaming

## Key points

- Valve adds initial SteamOS gamepad support to new handhelds
- MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ among devices gaining compatibility
- Part of Valve's push to expand SteamOS beyond Steam Deck

## Summary

Valve has rolled out "initial" gamepad support in SteamOS for several new handheld gaming PCs, including the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, as it continues extending its Linux-based operating system beyond the Steam Deck. The move is part of Valve's broader push to make SteamOS a viable alternative to Windows on rival handhelds, giving manufacturers and players more choice of firmware while Valve works towards a fuller, more polished rollout.

The support is described as an early-stage implementation, meaning functionality may still be limited or require further refinement before it matches the experience found on Valve's own hardware. The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is named as one of the devices gaining this initial compatibility, reflecting growing third-party adoption of SteamOS as handheld makers look to offer it as an option alongside Windows.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.