Valve Confirms SteamOS for ROG Ally

Valve’s latest SteamOS update opens up exciting possibilities for handheld gaming, particularly with the inclusion of support for the ROG Ally. Let's dive deeper into what this means for gamers and the future of SteamOS.

Valve Expands SteamOS Support to ROG Ally Keys

On August 8th, Valve released SteamOS 3.6.9 Beta, codenamed "Megafixer," which introduces support for ROG Ally keys. This move is a pivotal moment in Valve's mission to enhance SteamOS, extending its compatibility to third-party devices. The update is currently accessible in the Beta and Preview channels for Steam Deck users, allowing them to experiment with new features ahead of their official rollout.

This comprehensive patch not only addresses numerous fixes and enhancements but is especially noteworthy for its inclusion of dedicated support for the ROG Ally's keys. The ROG Ally, developed by ASUS and running on Windows, is now specifically mentioned in Valve’s patch notes for the first time. This indicates a significant shift in Valve’s strategy, hinting at a future where SteamOS transcends the exclusivity of the Steam Deck.

Valve’s Vision for SteamOS Across Devices

Valve has always aimed to make SteamOS a versatile platform that extends beyond the Steam Deck. In a recent interview with The Verge, Valve designer Lawrence Yang reaffirmed this vision, 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 aligns with Valve’s longstanding goal to create an open and adaptable gaming platform, a vision that dates back to the initial launch of SteamOS. While ASUS has not officially endorsed SteamOS for the ROG Ally, and Valve acknowledges that SteamOS is not yet ready for full deployment on non-Steam Deck hardware, this update is a crucial milestone. Yang emphasized Valve's "steady progress," signaling their commitment to expanding SteamOS beyond their proprietary hardware.

This update not only reinforces Valve's dedication to this vision but also suggests that the gaming community might soon experience a more inclusive and adaptable SteamOS, capable of running on a variety of gaming devices—a promise that has been central to Valve's strategy since SteamOS's inception.

Shifting the Handheld Gaming Landscape

Prior to this update, the ROG Ally was limited to functioning merely as a controller for Steam games. However, by adding extra support for the ROG Ally’s keys, Valve is paving the way for SteamOS to potentially run on other devices.

To clarify, 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 ensures that SteamOS can better recognize and map these keys, enhancing their functionality within the Steam ecosystem. However, as noted by YouTuber NerdNest, this feature has yet to be fully realized, even with the latest SteamOS beta.

This update signals the potential for a significant shift in the handheld gaming landscape, where SteamOS could become untethered from a single piece of hardware. The implications are profound: if Valve continues this trajectory, gamers could see SteamOS as a viable alternative operating system for various handheld consoles, fostering a more unified and potentially richer gaming experience across different devices. While the immediate functionality of the ROG Ally remains unchanged, this update represents a critical step toward a more flexible and inclusive ecosystem for SteamOS.