Valve released the first beta for Proton 11 yesterday with a long list of bug fixes and new game support. Beyond that, beta 1 comes with something special for those looking to branch out of devices like the Steam Deck or a basic Linux desktop. Proton 11 ships with an ARM64 version, and someone has already used it to get Steam running on a Nintendo Switch.

The console uses an Nvidia-developed ARM-based SoC, and by using a modded Nintendo Switch, users are able to boot into Linux. As such, someone managed to get Steam working on their original Switch console thanks to the new ARM64 support in Proton 11. While the Switch 2 is also based on ARM architecture, it’s (so far) much harder to mod without risking bricking it.

Steam and Proton 11 beta 1 on the Nintendo Switch

Support for ARM devices means you can run Proton on a Nintendo Switch console, as demonstrated by a modder and Decky developer who goes by the name of aagaming. In a video posted to social media, we can see that the device is running Linux, specifically Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS (Long Term Support), and is utilizing Steam’s built-in x86 Windows to ARM Linux wrapper.

This is all thanks to a single patch note in Proton 11.0-beta1, which reads as follows: “Added FEX-2604 for ARM64EC builds”. For those unaware, FEX is an open-source emulator that is designed to run Windows games and software on ARM Linux devices. It was revealed towards the tail end of last year that Valve has been funding the project “since the beginning”.

Another ARM64 device on the way this year is Valve’s very own Steam Frame VR headset, so it’s obvious why Valve is pushing this kind of support for its Proton compatibility layer. The headset features an ARM64-based Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and runs SteamOS (which is also Linux-based). SteamOS also runs on the Steam Deck and the upcoming Steam Machine, though both of those are x86 devices that don’t need the extra help from FEX for compatibility.

The modder says they haven’t tried running games yet, but will “give it a go later,” so results are pending. Reviewers who had the chance to see the Steam Frame in action ahead of release have already had a glimpse of how well FEX translation works, noting solid local performance. Considering there are a handful of ARM-based handhelds such as those from Retroid, AYN, and Ayaneo, it seems like only a matter of time before people are testing Steam games on those, too.

About the Author

Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.