Valve's latest SteamOS update lays the groundwork for expanded compatibility with third-party devices including the ROG Ally. Discover what this development means for the future of handheld gaming.
Valve Expands SteamOS Support to ROG Ally Keys
Significant Step for Third-Party Device Compatibility
On August 8th, Valve rolled out SteamOS 3.6.9 Beta (codenamed "Megafixer") featuring support for ROG Ally controls. This update represents a major leap in Valve's initiative to enhance SteamOS functionality beyond proprietary hardware. Currently available through Steam Deck's Beta and Preview channels, the update allows users to test new features before official release.
The comprehensive patch includes numerous fixes and improvements, with special attention given to adding ROG Ally control compatibility. This marks Valve's first official acknowledgment of supporting competitor hardware in release notes, suggesting a more open approach for SteamOS deployment.
Valve's Vision for SteamOS Across Devices
Valve has consistently expressed intentions to extend SteamOS beyond the Steam Deck. Lawrence Yang, a Valve designer, recently confirmed this direction: "The ROG Ally key support reflects our ongoing work to bring SteamOS compatibility to additional handheld devices."
This development aligns with Valve's original vision for SteamOS as an open gaming platform. While ASUS hasn't officially endorsed SteamOS for ROG Ally, and complete third-party support remains in progress, this update demonstrates meaningful advancement. "We're making steady progress toward broader hardware compatibility," Yang noted, reinforcing Valve's long-term goal of platform expansion.
Shifting the Handheld Gaming Landscape
Previously, ROG Ally users could only utilize basic controller functionality when playing Steam games. The new key-specific support potentially signals Valve's preparation for wider SteamOS implementation on third-party devices.
This "extra support" refers specifically to improved recognition and mapping of ROG Ally's physical controls (buttons, D-pad, analog sticks) within SteamOS. Early reports from YouTuber NerdNest indicate this functionality remains partially implemented in the current beta release.
This strategic move could fundamentally change the handheld gaming ecosystem, where a single operating system might power multiple devices. While immediate impacts are modest, the update establishes a foundation for more versatile SteamOS deployment in future developments.
