Valve's recent SteamOS update marks a significant milestone in the realm of handheld gaming, particularly with the introduction of support for the ROG Ally keys. This development paves the way for a more integrated gaming experience across different devices, signaling Valve's commitment to expanding the reach of SteamOS beyond its proprietary Steam Deck hardware.
Valve Expands SteamOS Support to ROG Ally Keys
Significant Step for Third-Party Device Compatibility
On August 8th, Valve unveiled the SteamOS 3.6.9 Beta update, codenamed "Megafixer," which now includes compatibility with the keys of the ROG Ally. This update, available in the Beta and Preview channels for the Steam Deck, showcases Valve's ongoing efforts to enhance SteamOS and broaden its compatibility with third-party devices. Notably, the ROG Ally, a Windows-based handheld gaming device developed by ASUS, is now specifically mentioned in Valve's patch notes, indicating a move towards a more inclusive gaming platform.
Valve’s Vision for SteamOS Across Devices
Valve has long harbored ambitions to extend SteamOS to a wider array of devices. In a recent interview with The Verge, Lawrence Yang, a Valve designer, confirmed that the support for ROG Ally keys is part of their broader strategy to support third-party handheld devices on SteamOS. Although ASUS has not yet 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 crucial step forward. Yang noted that Valve is "making steady progress," reinforcing their dedication to making SteamOS an open and adaptable platform since its inception.
Shifting the Handheld Gaming Landscape
Prior to this update, the ROG Ally was primarily used as a controller for Steam games. With the addition of support for its keys, Valve is setting the stage for potential future deployment of SteamOS on other devices. The ROG Ally keys encompass the device's physical controls, such as the D-pad, analog sticks, and other buttons. The "extra support" in the update enhances SteamOS's ability to recognize and map these keys effectively within the Steam ecosystem. While YouTuber NerdNest reports that this feature is yet to be fully realized in the latest SteamOS beta, the implications are vast. This development could herald a shift in the handheld gaming market, where SteamOS becomes a versatile operating system across multiple devices, offering gamers a more unified and enriched gaming experience.
