Valve Confirms SteamOS for ROG Ally

Valve’s newest SteamOS update facilitates enhanced integration with third-party devices such as the ROG Ally. Read on to discover what this expansion comprises and how this might transform handheld gaming.

Valve Expands SteamOS Support to ROG Ally KeysSignificant Advance for Third-Party Device Compatibility

On August 8th, Valve issued an update to SteamOS 3.6.9 Beta, codenamed "Megafixer," which comprises support for ROG Ally keys. This update is a substantial advancement in Valve's continuous endeavors to improve SteamOS functionality, particularly regarding third-party device compatibility. The update is presently accessible in the Beta and Preview channels for the Steam Deck, enabling users to evaluate new features prior to their completion.

The patch, encompassing a wide array of fixes and enhancements across diverse SteamOS facets, is especially noteworthy for its added support for the ROG Ally's keys, a handheld gaming device from ASUS operating on Windows. This signifies the first instance of Valve explicitly mentioning support for a competitor's hardware in their patch notes, suggesting a wider scope for SteamOS extending beyond its current Steam Deck limitation.

Valve’s Vision for SteamOS Across Devices

Valve has long shown interest in making SteamOS accessible on more devices than the Steam Deck. Lawrence Yang, a Valve designer, recently affirmed this aim in a The Verge interview. "The note about ROG Ally keys is linked to third-party device support for SteamOS. The team is continuing to work on adding support for more handhelds on SteamOS," Yang stated.

This action mirrors Valve's broader objective, dating back to SteamOS's initial release, to offer an open and flexible gaming platform. Though ASUS hasn't officially approved SteamOS for the ROG Ally, and Valve acknowledges SteamOS isn't ready for complete deployment on non-Steam Deck devices yet, this update is a major achievement. Yang stressed that Valve is "making steady progress," suggesting the company is dedicated to expanding SteamOS beyond its own hardware, a long-term aspiration.

This recent update not only confirms Valve's dedication to this vision but also indicates that gamers may soon witness a more open and adaptable SteamOS usable on various gaming devices, fulfilling a pledge integral to Valve's strategy since SteamOS's start.

Shifting the Handheld Gaming Landscape

Before this update, the ROG Ally was limited to functioning as a controller when playing Steam games. However, by adding enhanced support for the ROG Ally’s keys, Valve is establishing a foundation for potentially running SteamOS on other devices.

To clarify, the ROG Ally keys refer to the physical buttons and controls on the ROG Ally device, such as the D-pad, analog sticks, and other buttons. The "enhanced support" in the update means that SteamOS should now better recognize and map these keys, ensuring they function correctly within the Steam ecosystem. However, according to YouTuber NerdNest, this functionality has yet to be fully realized, even after updating to the latest SteamOS beta.

This update could signal the start of a shift in the handheld gaming landscape, where SteamOS is no longer confined to a single piece of hardware. The implications are substantial: if Valve continues on this path, gamers could eventually see SteamOS as a feasible alternative operating system for a variety of handheld consoles, offering a more unified and potentially richer gaming experience across different devices. While the current update doesn’t alter the immediate functionality of the ROG Ally, it represents a crucial step towards a more adaptable and inclusive ecosystem for SteamOS.