Valve, known for its popular gaming platform Steam, initially envisioned a future where every PC manufacturer would have their own “Steam Machine.” However, this dream took a decade to materialize into the Steam Deck gaming handheld. Despite this evolution, the company has not abandoned its original idea of supporting third-party devices. According to Valve designer Lawrence Yang, the company plans to allow other manufacturers to use SteamOS, including the Asus ROG Ally gaming handheld.
Recently, Valve’s SteamOS release notes revealed that the platform now includes support for “extra ROG Ally keys.” This unexpected development sparked curiosity among gamers and tech enthusiasts. Yang confirmed that this new feature is part of Valve’s broader effort to facilitate third-party device support on SteamOS. While this news is exciting, it does not necessarily mean that Asus will officially endorse Valve’s installer or offer the Ally with SteamOS.
Despite the promising updates regarding third-party support, Valve is still in the early stages of implementing these changes. Yang emphasized that Valve is making progress but cautioned that SteamOS for rival handhelds is not ready for immediate release. Similarly, the company is working on SteamOS 3 for non-handheld PCs, indicating a broader expansion of its operating system beyond gaming handhelds.
Another significant aspect of Valve’s strategy is the integration of Windows drivers for Steam Deck OLED and the potential for dual-boot support. While Valve has acknowledged the importance of dual-boot capabilities, the timing for this feature remains uncertain. Despite ongoing efforts to prepare Windows drivers and firmware updates, Valve has not yet finalized the implementation of dual-boot functionality.
Valve’s foray into third-party device support reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, where companies are exploring new ways to offer diverse operating systems for different hardware configurations. Universal Blue, for example, has already demonstrated support for the Asus ROG Ally X on its Bazzite operating system before the device’s official launch. This competition and innovation are driving companies like Valve to adapt and evolve their platforms to meet the changing needs of gamers and consumers.
Valve’s decision to support third-party devices on SteamOS represents a significant shift in the company’s strategy. By expanding its platform to include rival handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally, Valve is opening up new possibilities for gamers and manufacturers alike. While the road ahead may be challenging, Valve’s commitment to innovation and collaboration is sure to shape the future of gaming technology in exciting ways.
Leave a Reply