ROG Ally is Getting SteamOS, Confirms Valve

Valve's latest SteamOS update significantly expands compatibility, paving the way for broader integration with third-party devices like the ASUS ROG Ally. This development promises to reshape the handheld gaming landscape.

Valve Expands SteamOS Support to ROG Ally Keys

A Major Leap in Third-Party Device Compatibility

The August 8th release of SteamOS 3.6.9 Beta, nicknamed "Megafixer," includes crucial support for ROG Ally keys. This represents a substantial step forward in Valve's commitment to improving SteamOS functionality and expanding its compatibility with third-party hardware. Currently available in Beta and Preview channels for the Steam Deck, users can test these enhancements before the official release.

While the update encompasses numerous fixes and improvements, the added support for ROG Ally keys is particularly noteworthy. This is the first time Valve has explicitly acknowledged supporting a competitor's hardware in their patch notes, suggesting a broader vision for SteamOS beyond the Steam Deck.

Valve's Vision: SteamOS Across Multiple Devices

Valve has consistently expressed its desire to extend SteamOS beyond the Steam Deck. Lawrence Yang, a Valve designer, confirmed this in a recent interview with The Verge, stating that the ROG Ally key support is part of a larger initiative to add support for additional handheld devices.

This aligns with Valve's long-standing goal of creating an open and adaptable gaming platform. Although ASUS hasn't officially endorsed SteamOS for the ROG Ally, and Valve acknowledges SteamOS isn't fully ready for non-Steam Deck hardware, this update is a crucial milestone. Yang emphasized "steady progress," highlighting Valve's commitment to expanding SteamOS beyond its own hardware—a goal pursued for years. This update underscores this commitment and hints at a future where SteamOS powers a wider range of gaming hardware.

Reshaping the Handheld Gaming Landscape

Previously, the ROG Ally functioned primarily as a controller when playing Steam games. This update's enhanced support for ROG Ally keys lays the foundation for potential SteamOS functionality on other devices. These keys encompass the device's physical controls, including the D-pad, analog sticks, and other buttons. The improved support ensures better recognition and mapping within the Steam ecosystem. However, YouTuber NerdNest notes that full functionality remains unrealized even with the latest beta update.

This development could mark a significant shift in the handheld gaming market, potentially freeing SteamOS from its Steam Deck exclusivity. The implications are far-reaching: a future where SteamOS becomes a viable operating system for various handheld consoles, offering a more unified and enriched gaming experience across different devices. While immediate ROG Ally functionality remains unchanged, this update is a pivotal step towards a more flexible and inclusive SteamOS ecosystem.