Nintendo Switch now supports Steam

Valve releases Proton 11.0-Beta1 update with ARM device support

Valve has released a new beta version of the Proton emulator that, for the first time, adds support for Linux devices based on ARM processors. Although this is still a preliminary release, communities have already demonstrated the Steam interface working on the Nintendo Switch portable console, meaning the client will soon appear on Retroid, AYN, and Ayaneo devices.

How enthusiasts made Steam work on the Switch
* Proton for ARM runs alongside the Steam Runtime environment adapted for the ARM architecture.
* The `compatibilitytools.d` folder allows games to be launched through the Steam client.
* On GitHub Valve posted the updated Proton 11.0-Beta1. The most important new feature is the *ARM64 Builds* section, which the developer has not yet fully disclosed details about, but the community quickly understood its purpose.

The new FEX 2604 module enables running Windows x86 applications on ARM devices under Linux.

Possible connection to the Steam VR headset
Some believe that ARM support is implemented as part of preparations for the release of the virtual reality *Steam Frame*. This headset is geared toward game streaming but is equipped with a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 16 GB LPDDR5X. Thanks to it, the game Hades 2 (x86) was locally run at 1400p with respectable performance.

Valve is already compiling a list of “verified” games for Steam Frame, similar to what is done for Steam Deck. Users will know in advance which titles can be run locally and which will require streaming from a PC.

What’s new in Proton 11
* Support for new games – titles from the *Resident Evil*, *Dino Crisis*, *Warhammer: Vermintide 2*, *Shogun: Total War*, *Breath of Fire IV* series, and others have been added.
* Performance improvements – bugs affecting the Steam overlay in EA games were fixed, crashes during the opening cutscene in *Crimson Desert* were eliminated.

Thus, Proton 11.0-Beta1 opens new horizons for ARM device users and takes a step toward broader compatibility with portable gaming platforms.