The Linux-based operating system that runs Valve’s Steam Deck, SteamOS, is getting support for more devices.
Valve’s SteamOS is a dedicated gaming operating system that was released in 2013. It was initially built to enable video game streaming over a local network, but in 2022, Valve released a new version of the operating system for its portable gaming device, the Steam Deck.
Most portable gaming devices on the market today run on Windows 11, but Steam OS aims to give gamers an operating system optimised for gaming – much like you’d expect from a game console like PlayStation or Xbox.
Steam OS was also designed to be used without a keyboard and mouse, making it perfect for portable gaming devices. Unfortunately, this operating system does not officially support the latest and greatest PC hardware, so don’t even think about running it as your main operating system – unless you are a tinkerer, of course.
If you own an Asus Rog Ally, you may have reason to celebrate. It looks like you will soon be able to use SteamOS on your device.
In a recent SteamOS beta update, the company listed that it has added support for the ROG Ally’s extra keys.
Speaking to The Verge, Valve designer Lawrence Yang confirmed that the company is indeed working on bringing Steam OS to the Asus Rog Ally.
Yang said, “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.”
But don’t expect a big announcement soon, Steam OS is not ready to run out of the box just yet, Yang added.
Valve has big plans to make Steam OS available for other platforms, too, and work is continuing to make sure hardware compatibility is available for a broader range of hardware.
Whether or not Asus will officially support Steam OS on the Rog Ally remains to be seen, but if your curiosity gets the better of you, you can read more about Steam OS here.