ROG Ally is Getting SteamOS, Confirms Valve

Valve’s latest SteamOS update paves the way for broader integration with third-party devices like the ROG Ally. Read on to see what this expansion entails and how this could reshape handheld gaming.

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

On August 8th, Valve released an update to SteamOS 3.6.9 Beta, codenamed "Megafixer," which includes support for ROG Ally keys. This update is a significant step in Valve's ongoing efforts to enhance the functionality of SteamOS, especially as it pertains to compatibility with third-party devices. The update is currently available in the Beta and Preview channels for the Steam Deck, allowing users to test new features before they are finalized.

The patch, while covering a broad range of fixes and improvements across various aspects of SteamOS, is particularly notable for its inclusion of extra support for the keys on the ROG Ally, a handheld gaming device developed by ASUS that runs on Windows. This marks the first time that Valve has specifically mentioned supporting hardware from a rival company in their patch notes, hinting at a broader vision for SteamOS that goes beyond its current Steam Deck exclusivity.

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 in a conversation with The Verge. "The note about ROG Ally keys is related to third-party device support for SteamOS. The team is continuing to work on adding support for additional handhelds on SteamOS," Yang stated.

This action mirrors Valve's broader aim, since SteamOS's initial release, to offer an open and flexible gaming platform. Although 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 represents a key achievement. Yang stressed that Valve is "making steady progress," showing the company's commitment to expanding SteamOS beyond its own hardware, a long-term objective.

This recent update not only reiterates Valve's dedication to this goal but also hints that gamers may soon witness a more open and versatile SteamOS usable on diverse gaming hardware, fulfilling a pledge integral to Valve's strategy since SteamOS's creation.

Shifting the Handheld Gaming Landscape

Before this update, the ROG Ally was limited to functioning as a controller when running Steam games. However, by adding extra support for the ROG Ally’s keys, Valve is laying the groundwork 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 "extra support" in the update means that SteamOS should now better recognize and map these keys, ensuring they function properly within the Steam ecosystem. However, according to YouTuber NerdNest, this function has yet to be fully experienced, even after updating to the latest SteamOS beta.

This update could signal the beginning of a shift in the handheld gaming landscape, where SteamOS is no longer tied to a single piece of hardware. The implications are significant: if Valve continues down this path, gamers could eventually see SteamOS as a viable 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 change the immediate functionality of the ROG Ally, it represents a critical step towards a more flexible and inclusive ecosystem for SteamOS.