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 Keys
Significant 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 expressed an interest in making SteamOS available on a wider range of devices beyond the Steam Deck. Lawrence Yang, a designer at Valve, recently confirmed this direction in an interview 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 explained.
This move reflects Valve's broader vision, dating back to the original launch of SteamOS, to provide an open and adaptable gaming platform. Although ASUS has not officially endorsed SteamOS for the ROG Ally, and Valve admits that SteamOS isn’t ready for full deployment on non-Steam Deck hardware just yet, this update marks a significant milestone. Yang emphasized that Valve is "making steady progress," indicating that the company is serious about expanding SteamOS beyond its proprietary hardware, a goal that has been in the making for years.
This latest update not only reaffirms Valve's commitment to this vision but also suggests that the gaming community may soon see a more open and adaptable SteamOS that can run on a variety of gaming hardware, fulfilling a promise that has been part of Valve's strategy since the inception of SteamOS.
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.
Source:
SteamOS 3.6.9 Beta: Megafixer
Valve confirms it'll support the ROG Ally - The Verge Article
SteamOS for ROG Ally - NerdNest YouTube
