Valve Confirms SteamOS for ROG Ally

Valve's latest SteamOS update marks a significant expansion, integrating with third-party devices like the ROG Ally. This development could revolutionize handheld gaming. Let's dive into the details and explore the implications.

Valve Expands SteamOS Support to ROG Ally Keys

A Milestone in Third-Party Device Compatibility

On August 8th, Valve unveiled the SteamOS 3.6.9 Beta update, dubbed "Megafixer," which notably includes support for ROG Ally keys. This update represents a crucial advancement in Valve's ongoing efforts to enhance SteamOS's functionality and compatibility with third-party devices. Currently available in the Beta and Preview channels for the Steam Deck, this update allows users to test new features before their official release.

The "Megafixer" patch addresses a wide range of improvements across SteamOS, but it's the support for ROG Ally keys that stands out. The ROG Ally, a Windows-based handheld gaming device from ASUS, marks the first instance where Valve has explicitly mentioned support for a competitor's hardware in their patch notes. This move hints at Valve's broader vision for SteamOS, extending beyond the Steam Deck.

Valve's Vision for SteamOS Across Devices

Valve has consistently expressed interest in expanding SteamOS to a wider range of devices. In a recent interview with The Verge, Valve designer Lawrence Yang confirmed this direction, stating, "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."

This move aligns with Valve's long-standing goal, dating back to the original launch of SteamOS, to create an open and adaptable gaming platform. While ASUS hasn't officially endorsed SteamOS for the ROG Ally, and Valve acknowledges that SteamOS isn't fully ready for non-Steam Deck hardware, this update is a significant milestone. Yang emphasized Valve's "steady progress," underscoring the company's commitment to broadening SteamOS's reach.

This latest update not only reaffirms Valve's dedication to this vision but also suggests that the gaming community may soon see a more open and adaptable SteamOS, capable of running on various gaming hardware. This fulfills a promise that has been integral to Valve's strategy since SteamOS's inception.

Shifting the Handheld Gaming Landscape

Prior to this update, the ROG Ally was limited to functioning as a controller when running Steam games. However, by adding support for the ROG Ally's keys, Valve is laying the groundwork for potentially running SteamOS on other devices.

The ROG Ally keys refer to the device's physical buttons and controls, such as the D-pad, analog sticks, and other buttons. The "extra support" in the update means SteamOS should now better recognize and map these keys, ensuring they function properly within the Steam ecosystem. However, according to YouTuber NerdNest, this functionality is 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. This could offer a more unified and potentially richer gaming experience across different devices. While the current update doesn't immediately change the ROG Ally's functionality, it represents a critical step towards a more flexible and inclusive ecosystem for SteamOS.