This would presumably let x86 windows games run on ARM hardware.

This is almost certainly meant for the next Valve VR headset, but ARM has so much better power efficiency than x86 that a future ARM based Deck would be a huge improvement to battery life.

Also see this tweet:

VR games that have already secretly pushed Android ARM builds onto the Steam Store are ran via Waydroid (androidARM to LinuxARM)

VR games that do not have an ARM build on Steam (windows x86) are being translated/emulated via ProtonARM and FEX

Edit: here’s gamingonlinux coverage of this info, includes some more information

  • @PlasticExistence
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    22 months ago

    Well you may be right and Valve may only be aiming to support some of the already-existing handhelds out there that are ARM based.

    Valve does know how to play the long game on support, so time will tell.