Valve’s much-anticipated SteamOS 3.8 is nearly ready to meet the public eye, but some tech enthusiasts couldn’t wait—one such YouTuber managed to install it on the ROG Ally even before its official launch! This adventurous move highlights the incredible potential of SteamOS 3.8 and its compatibility with a wider array of gaming devices.
Valve has been steadily advancing the capabilities of its Linux-based SteamOS, with the 3.7 Preview teasing Steam Deck users back in mid-March. This move was a part of Valve’s broader strategy to extend official support to other gaming handhelds beyond the Steam Deck. Now, the imminent SteamOS 3.8 aims to be the first version ready to shine on these varied handhelds.
Though the official release is still pending, the deft hands of a resourceful YouTuber have already brought SteamOS 3.8 to life on the ROG Ally. While Legion Go S is currently the only handheld officially ready for SteamOS 3.8, this remarkable installation on ROG Ally offers a sneak peek into what’s possible. The ROG Ally typically runs Windows 11, but with its notorious bloatware, many users have been eagerly waiting for Valve’s streamlined SteamOS alternative.
It’s essential to note that this unofficial setup wasn’t without its quirks—the ROG Ally was constrained to a 15W power mode, a limit that’s expected to disappear with the official release. Despite this limitation, comparisons revealed that ROG Ally often outperformed the Steam Deck in multiple gaming scenarios, delivering a smoother gaming experience. The lower power consumption aligns with the Steam Deck’s design, but the competition between devices remains fierce and intriguing.
Some gaming scenarios showed off the ROG Ally’s robust custom 4-core/8-thread CPU, although it occasionally fell short against the more powerful Z1 Extreme. However, these observations come with the caveat of throttled power on the ROG Ally, which is bound to change with the tech’s official debut.
Moreover, Valve’s SteamOS promises broader horizons. Beyond non-Steam Deck handhelds, there’s buzz about SteamOS also heading towards Desktop PCs, preparing to offer a seamless gaming experience across different platforms. This expansion could potentially reshape how gamers and tech enthusiasts alike engage with their devices, promising a unified platform for gaming pleasure. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates, as SteamOS is set to redefine portable and desktop gaming alike!
