The March 13, 2026 episode of the WAN Show was jam-packed with content spanning Linux updates, gaming hardware developments, and a tech mall adventure in South Korea. Let’s break down the highlights, including host Linus Sebastian’s struggles with Linux, Valve’s Steam Machine progress, and a comically frustrating hunt for tech gear.

Linux Hits and Misses

Linus opened the episode by detailing his ongoing Linux challenge, an undertaking that almost prevented this week’s show from happening. Running Linux as his primary operating system on a demonstration laptop—specifically an ASUS Strix Halo—has been a mixed bag of successes and frustrations.

While Linux has performed admirably in several gaming contexts, Linus experienced setbacks involving basic functionality during his trip. For instance, his laptop’s onboard audio and webcam refused to cooperate. This created a high-stakes scramble to find functional peripherals in time for the WAN Show. Screen capture issues during gaming on a plane further highlighted the challenges of making Linux work seamlessly as a daily driver for someone accustomed to Windows.

It wasn’t all bad news for Linux enthusiasts, though. The show revisited a community hack that brought Linux to the PS5, transforming Sony’s console into a versatile Steam Machine capable of running PlayStation and PC games alike. Linus and co-host Luke viewed this as a testament to Linux’s flexibility and increasing presence in gaming.

Valve’s Steam Machine Revival

On the topic of gaming, the hosts discussed Valve’s imminent release of new hardware: the Steam Frame (a display for PC and Steam Deck users) and a modern Steam Machine (a new compact gaming PC integrated into the Steam ecosystem). Valve is aiming to deliver both devices during the first half of 2026. Though pricing and shipping timelines remain uncertain, Valve’s track record ensures fans are watching closely.

The last few years have seen Valve assert itself in the hardware market, from the hugely successful Steam Deck to accessories like the Dock. This new lineup targets gamers eager to see Valve improve its offerings in desktop environments.

Linus humorously remarked that if the hardware doesn’t launch on time, it will at least provide fresh material for the infamous “Valve Time” meme.

Tech Mall Exploration: A Test of Patience

A large portion of this WAN Show focused on Linus’s experience at a South Korean tech mall while on vacation. The intention was simple: replace his missing USB microphone and bougie webcam to ensure the WAN Show’s production quality met expectations. What followed was a whirlwind adventure that blended humor, frustration, and nostalgia for viewers.

Initial Hiccups

When preparing for his trip, Linus left behind his away kit, which included an Elgato Wave:3 microphone and a high-end Razer webcam. Recognizing his mistake en route to the airport, Linus decided he could find what he needed at South Korea's renowned tech mall.

Arriving at the sprawling district—spread across over 20 buildings and packed with 5,000 shops—he faced mixed reviews from online sources. Recent feedback described the location as past its prime, even being referred to as a “ghost town” filled with scammers.

The Search for Gear

Linus aimed to find three items:

• A USB microphone
• A premium-quality webcam
• An optional LED light for video calls

The initial excitement quickly turned to frustration as the shops he explored either didn’t carry the right items or offered exorbitant prices. After hours of searching—and even encountering entire stores dedicated to brands like Noctua—he managed to find a Rode NT USB Plus microphone. However, its price was nearly $100 higher than at major North American retailers. As someone frugal, even with WAN Show necessities, this didn’t sit well with Linus.

Navigating the tech mall also highlighted cultural and logistical differences. For example, pricing was largely unlisted, with shopkeepers using calculators to display quotes. This approach left Linus uncertain whether language barriers or intentional gouging played a role in quoted prices.

Final Success

Just as Linus was ready to give up, a shopkeeper who had initially scolded him—first for filming the storefront and later for wearing a backpack—unwittingly pointed him to a secondary location where he found another Rode NT USB Plus microphone. Given his limited options and mounting time pressure, Linus made the purchase and called it a day.

Throughout the ordeal, he maintained a sense of humor, documenting the ups and downs himself with an iPhone while comparing the experience to his earliest days creating tech videos.

Practical Takeaways

This WAN Show offered valuable insights for Linux users, gamers, and anyone planning a tech shopping trip abroad:

• Linux Need Not Apply (Yet): Linux continues to close the gap but remains challenging in certain areas, particularly for audio and video setups critical to content creators.

• Valve's Steam Machine Hype: Valve is back in the small-form-factor PC game. For Linux-centered players, its potential as a gaming and productivity hub is promising.

• Know Tech Mall Pitfalls: Planning a visit to a tech district like the one Linus explored? Be ready for deals, scams, and communication challenges. Do research upfront on product pricing and shop reputations.

Conclusion

The March 13, 2026 WAN Show provided a mix of humor and practicality. While Linux’s limitations temporarily stymied Linus, Valve’s innovation and the quirks of South Korean shopping made for an entertaining journey. With no shortage of challenges or laughs, this episode reinforced why Linux, gaming hardware, and travel can simultaneously excite and test enthusiasts.