Valve has been teasing the release of the SteamOS ISO for quite some time, allowing users to install it on any PC or handheld gaming console. They recently reiterated their dedication to this task by enhancing support for the extra buttons on the Asus ROG Ally within SteamOS. A significant stride has been made with Gamescope, Valve’s gaming micro-compositor, moving closer to making SteamOS fully compatible with the Asus ROG Ally and Ally X.
Recently, a contributor to the Gamescope project shared updates on this progress. They have successfully configured the display settings for the Asus ROG Ally, ensuring it works seamlessly with both the original and the ROG Ally X. Initial tests indicate that this configuration supports a variety of games, offering features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and compatibility with the SteamOS refresh rate slider in the game overlay.
Although there is more work before the Asus ROG Ally can run flawlessly on SteamOS, key initial tasks such as custom button mapping and screen settings are advancing steadily. Valve has expressed ongoing efforts to introduce support and features for other systems and gaming handhelds, albeit without a precise timeline for completion.
The Asus ROG Ally X, priced at $799.99, is available at Best Buy and provides a notable performance boost over its predecessor.
For those craving a SteamOS-like experience right now, alternative options such as Bazzite and ChimeraOS are available. These platforms support a wide range of system configurations, largely due to their Linux roots, sparking speculation that Valve may also be optimizing configurations for third-party devices. Valve has repeatedly emphasized that they don’t view these gaming handhelds as direct competitors to the Steam Deck. Instead, they seem eager to expand SteamOS’s reach across various devices, supporting the notion that Valve is focused on software reach rather than hardware sales. This viewpoint is bolstered by the fact that Valve has historically sold the more affordable Steam Deck models at a loss to expand their user base.
My journey into the tech world began in high school, experimenting with rooting and flashing my Motorola Defy. The turning point came when I discovered the thrill of overclocking the i7 930 in my Gigabyte pre-built PC. This passion led me to pursue a degree in product design at university. I firmly believe technology should enhance the lives of users across all domains. I enjoy exploring and writing about laptops, smartphones, software, and the ever-evolving tech landscape.
