Atti Abderrahim
Table of Contents
Valve is working on bringing its SteamOS operating system to other portable gaming consoles, starting with the ASUS ROG Ally. While some gamers appreciate having Windows 11 on handheld devices like the ROG Ally and Lenovo’s Legion Go, others wish they could use SteamOS instead. That wish may soon come true, at least for the ASUS console, as Valve is actively working on supporting the unique features of the ROG Ally, including its additional buttons.
The Value of SteamOS for Valve
When Valve launched the Steam Deck more than two years ago, it opened up a new segment in the gaming market. Although portable gaming PCs were already available, Valve’s entry gave the concept a big boost. The Steam Deck’s success can be attributed not only to its strong technical design and excellent balance between performance and battery life but also to its operating system, SteamOS. Based on Linux, SteamOS has been widely praised for its performance and smooth integration with portable hardware.
As competitors quickly entered this new market, most chose Microsoft’s Windows 11 as their operating system. However, Windows 11, which was initially designed for traditional PCs, brings some challenges when adapted for portable consoles.
Expanding SteamOS Support to Other Consoles
The reliance on Windows 11, however, might not be necessary. Recently, some observant users noticed an interesting detail in the update notes for SteamOS 3.6.9: “Added support for additional buttons on the ASUS ROG Ally.” This indicates that Valve is actively working on expanding SteamOS to support at least one other console besides the Steam Deck—specifically, the ASUS ROG Ally.
Although this information was just a note in the SteamOS update, journalists from The Verge sought further details. Valve quickly responded. Lawrence Yang, a designer at Valve, explained that the mention of the ROG Ally’s buttons is part of a broader effort to support third-party devices on SteamOS. He added, “The team continues to work on supporting other handheld consoles on SteamOS.”
This means the ROG Ally might soon be able to run SteamOS. At the same time, Valve is also working to improve Windows support on the Steam Deck OLED, as Yang mentioned to The Verge. “Regarding Windows, we are preparing to make the remaining Windows drivers available for the Steam Deck OLED (you may have seen that we are preparing firmware for the Bluetooth driver). There is no update on the dual-boot timeline: it is still a priority, but we haven’t achieved it yet.”
The option for a dual-boot system that allows Steam Deck users to switch between SteamOS and Windows 11 is highly anticipated. Such a feature would address one of SteamOS’s few limitations: its incompatibility with Microsoft’s PC Game Pass and certain games like Fortnite.
Why This Matters for Gamers and Console Makers
The potential expansion of SteamOS to the ROG Ally represents a significant development for both gamers and console manufacturers. For gamers, this means more choices and possibly better gaming experiences on their portable consoles. SteamOS is designed specifically for gaming, offering a more streamlined and efficient platform than Windows 11, which could lead to better performance and battery life on devices like the ROG Ally.
For ASUS and other console makers, this development could open up new opportunities for product differentiation. By supporting SteamOS, these manufacturers can offer their customers an alternative to Windows 11, one that is optimized for gaming and tailored to the needs of portable consoles. This could make their products more appealing to a segment of gamers who prioritize performance and efficiency over the broader functionality of Windows.
Moreover, Valve’s efforts to enhance SteamOS compatibility with third-party devices could lead to a broader ecosystem of SteamOS-powered consoles. This would not only benefit gamers and console makers but also strengthen Valve’s position in the gaming industry. By making SteamOS the go-to operating system for portable gaming consoles, Valve could further solidify its dominance in the market, attracting more developers to optimize their games for SteamOS and expanding its user base.
Conclusion
The possibility of running SteamOS on the ASUS ROG Ally is an exciting development that could reshape the portable gaming landscape. Valve’s commitment to supporting third-party devices like the ROG Ally highlights its ambition to expand SteamOS beyond the Steam Deck. For gamers, this means more options and potentially better gaming experiences on their portable consoles. For console makers, it offers a chance to differentiate their products in a competitive market.
As Valve continues to improve SteamOS and expand its compatibility with other devices, the future of portable gaming looks promising. Whether you’re a fan of the Steam Deck, the ROG Ally, or another portable console, the growing support for SteamOS promises to bring new opportunities and enhanced experiences to the world of gaming.
