Collabora, the open-source consultancy, has released a port of Valve’s SteamOS 3 — codenamed Holo Core — that runs natively on Arm64 architecture. The development is directly tied to Valve’s upcoming Steam Frame virtual reality headset, which uses an Arm-based Qualcomm processor. By adapting the Linux-based SteamOS to run without emulation, Collabora has effectively laid the foundation for a full Arm64 version of Arch Linux, the distribution SteamOS is built upon.
The Holo Core port strips out the graphical user interface and focuses on core system components, allowing developers to test and validate the software stack on Arm hardware. This is a significant step because SteamOS 3 has until now been tied to x86-64 processors. The move could accelerate official Arch Linux Arm64 support, which the community has long sought. Valve has not yet announced a release date for the Steam Frame, but the headset is expected to compete with Meta’s Quest line and Apple’s Vision Pro.
For UK businesses, the implications are twofold. First, ARM-based servers and laptops — already popular for their energy efficiency — could gain a credible gaming and VR ecosystem, reducing reliance on x86 hardware. Second, UK game developers targeting VR may find it easier to optimise titles for Arm devices without costly emulation layers. The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has no direct role here, but the broader push toward open standards aligns with the government’s emphasis on digital sovereignty and interoperability.
However, the move also raises questions about compatibility. While Steam’s Proton compatibility layer allows many Windows games to run on Linux, Arm64 support remains patchy. “This is a promising technical milestone, but the real test will be whether game developers bother to compile for Arm64,” said Dr. Elena Marchetti, a senior analyst at TechPolicy UK. “Without a critical mass of titles, even the best port will struggle to win over consumers.”
From a regulatory perspective, the EU’s AI Act does not directly apply to this hardware-software development, but the trend toward open-source, auditable platforms could influence future compliance requirements. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre has previously endorsed open-source software for its transparency, which may give Collabora’s work a subtle advantage in government procurement.
For now, the Holo Core port is available for developers and early adopters. A full consumer release of SteamOS 3 for Arm64 — and the Steam Frame headset — is expected to follow once the software stack matures. UK consumers looking for an alternative to Meta’s walled garden may find Valve’s open approach increasingly attractive, but they will need patience as the ecosystem develops.