Valve’s vision of a world where every PC manufacturer could have their own version of a “Steam Machine” has evolved over the years. From the concept of a PC game console running on SteamOS to the development of their own handheld gaming device, the Steam Deck, the dream is still alive.
The company has always expressed its intention to allow other companies to use SteamOS, including supporting rival devices such as the Asus ROG Ally gaming handheld. This support was confirmed by Valve designer Lawrence Yang in an interview with The Verge.
Recently, Valve added support for additional keys for the ROG Ally in their latest SteamOS release notes, indicating their commitment to third-party device support. Yang clarified that the team is working on adding support for more handheld devices on SteamOS.
While Asus may not officially endorse Valve’s installer or sell the Ally with SteamOS due to various reasons, Valve is steadily progressing towards that goal. SteamOS 3 is expected to have a general release that can be installed on non-handheld PCs as well.
As for dual-booting Windows on Steam Decks, Valve is preparing to make the remaining Windows drivers available but has not yet provided an update on the timeline for dual-boot support.
Valve’s efforts to adapt their Linux-based Steam UI for Windows handhelds are not unique, as other companies like Universal Blue have already achieved support for devices like the Asus ROG Ally X.
Overall, Valve’s commitment to expanding the reach of SteamOS and its gaming ecosystem to a wider range of devices shows their dedication to innovation and inclusivity in the gaming industry.
