Google just announced that some Chromebooks will soon have their own version of Steam, which will allow access to the huge library of games for these small portable devices. Over the past ten years, Chromebooks have become the portable device of choice for students or anyone who needs a low-power computer to check email or browse the web.
These machines have filled homes and classrooms around the world. Many countries have provided a chrome book to its students, helping millions gain easier access to the Internet and countless learning tools. But, just like most devices, people want to play video games on the device.
Handheld gaming was once a novelty that seemed exclusive to Nintendo’s Game Boy devices. But over the years, some companies have managed to create small devices for portable entertainment. Gaming laptops are still incredibly expensive and sometimes offer much more power than some consumers need.
Valve has recently released its own handheld gaming device, the Steam Deck, which allows gamers to access thousands of games available through its platform. Steam. Only a few have been lucky enough to get hold of this new device. However, Google has recently announced that the owners of chrome book they will soon have a way to access Steam’s extensive library.
During the keynote of the Game Developers Summit of Googleit was revealed that an alpha of Steam will be available on some devices chrome book soon. The slip from Google’s own gaming product manager, Greg Hartell, wrongly claimed that the Steam alpha was available for Chromebook users to try.
People rushed to check the news, but were disappointed to see that Steam was not yet available for download. The company has since retracted that claim and has announced that the feature will be coming soon in an update via the support page of Google.
Currently, it is unknown what Chromebooks will be powerful enough to be compatible with Steam until Google o Steam officially announce Alpha system requirements.
Once Steam is available for download in certain Chromebooks, they are most likely not powerful enough to play many newer games like Elden Ring or Lost Ark. Many of the new titles require massive amounts of power and fast graphics cards to run smoothly, which are both things that Chromebooks don’t have.
This hasn’t stopped some from playing games like Roblox on their Chromebook. The devices will still be able to handle a certain number of games, but hopefully not while in the middle of a class.