How to Run SteamOS on Your Mac

Running SteamOS on your Mac can breathe new life into your collection of old indie games, many of which no longer function on Apple's macOS due to a lack of 32-bit support since 2019. An open-source application called FX Steam Launcher enables you to run the ARM version of SteamOS, the operating system behind Valve's Steam Deck handheld gaming device, on a Mac using a virtual machine and compatibility layers. This process is free and requires a Mac with an Apple Silicon processor, macOS 15 or later.

After downloading and installing the application, it creates a virtual machine for SteamOS. You'll need to allocate disk space, choose drive location, and set a password. Pair a game controller with your Mac, then log in with Steam credentials to access your library divided into games that work and those that might work in SteamOS. Most games run out of the box, but some may require tweaking graphics settings.

Although a Mac's processing power and virtual machine limitations may impact performance, this method offers a more straightforward alternative to the previously unsupported Wine. You can even sideload non-Steam games by booting into Desktop Mode within SteamOS, providing a desktop environment with web browsing capabilities. While Valve could improve native Mac compatibility, FX Steam Launcher presents a convenient and effective solution for Mac users to enjoy a wider range of games.