Exciting Times Ahead for PC Gamers
A recent video posted by The Phawx on YouTube showcases SteamOS running on an Asus ROG Ally. While the unofficial installation has its flaws, early benchmarks indicate that the upcoming general release could run smoothly on various handheld gaming PCs.
Set to launch in May, the Lenovo Legion Go S will be the first device, besides the Steam Deck, to officially support SteamOS. This operating system allows for playing PC games through a controller-friendly user interface. Valve plans to open a beta for other devices before the May launch, but ‘The Phawx’ proceeded with early testing on the Asus ROG Ally – a popular competitor to the Steam Deck.
Although previous SteamOS patch notes have mentioned the ROG Ally, this installation of version 3.8 does not fully recognize the device. Despite this, it does support the ROG Ally’s VRR and high-refresh-rate capabilities. However, some buttons do not work, and performance is currently limited to 15W.
Game benchmarks for titles like Batman: Arkham Knight, Half-Life 2, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Returnal, and Cyberpunk 2077 show the original LCD Steam Deck and the ROG Ally performing similarly at the same wattage. The official SteamOS release, along with potential optimizations for the ROG Ally, is expected to enhance performance by unlocking more of the device’s power and efficiency.
Interestingly, ‘The Phawx’ did not compare SteamOS on the ROG Ally with its default Windows installation. While SteamOS’s controller-friendly UI is a highlight compared to Windows, many users are curious to see if SteamOS can offer better performance and efficiency as well.
The Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S is currently available starting at $729. However, customers will soon have the option to choose between a $599 Windows configuration and a $499 SteamOS edition in May. While the Legion Go S is currently the only licensed third-party SteamOS device, hints in Valve’s code and patch notes suggest that the company’s general release beta is on the horizon.
Once SteamOS is officially released, it is expected to undergo testing on various handheld PCs – and potentially even desktops – allowing for more direct comparisons against Windows. Microsoft has hinted at a possible response, indicating a potential fusion of Xbox and Windows elements for future handheld devices. However, Microsoft’s plans in this regard remain somewhat ambiguous.
