Valve today released a Linux kernel driver to provide platform control support for the upcoming Steam Deck. This platform driver is used to support the Steam Deck specific “VLV0100” device provided by the Embedded Controller (EC) firmware. Ultimately used for functions such as CPU/device fan control, access to DDIC registers, battery temperature measurement, display-related settings, and USB Type-C event notification.
This driver was developed by Valve engineers, and the driver for the x86 “ste AMD eck” platform is just over 500 new lines of code and is now working on merging into the mainline kernel. This isn’t a key feature of being able to use other Linux distributions on the Steam deck, but it’s certainly nice.
Given the timing of the patch rollout, it’s not expected to be merged until the Linux 5.18 cycle, which kicks off in late March. Valve’s Arch Linux-based SteamOS is expected to rely on, at least initially, on a patched kernel, so for Steam Deck players, everything should work fine, but this driver is great for those who have time to think about this portable handheld Only useful for people running other Linux distributions on their gaming systems.