SteamOS is an integral part of the Steam Deck, Valve's popular handheld gaming device. Ever since the handheld was launched, it seemed like SteamOS was something exclusive to the Steam Deck. However, with Valve's recent announcements, bringing SteamOS to other devices is becoming a reality in what it calls its “Beginnings of support“. And now, a new video demonstrates the ASUS ROG Ally showing early signs of compatibility.

Early version of SteamOS 3.8 running on the ROG Ally

SteamOS is an operating system developed by Valve. It's designed to run Steam, Valve's online gaming platform, and allows users to enjoy PC games while getting a console-like experience. Up until now, SteamOS was only available on the Steam Deck, but Valve has hinted at expanding its availability. The Lenovo Legion Go S is launching with SteamOS in May, and while no official confirmation has been made regarding other devices, the ASUS ROG Ally seems to be a candidate, based on earlier patch notes from Valve.

Recently, YouTuber “The Phawx” shared a video showcasing SteamOS running on the ASUS ROG Ally. He concludes: “SteamOS 3.8 on the ASUS ROG Ally, so far, looks great”. While this is an early version of SteamOS 3.8, it's an exciting development for those curious about what SteamOS might look like on other devices.

The ROG Ally's hardware, including its 120Hz screen and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), was recognized by SteamOS, though some features, like the additional buttons and back buttons, were not. Interestingly, SteamOS identified the Ally's controller as an Atari Xbox 360 Game Controller. As expected with early builds of any operating system, some issues were present, such as a forced TDP limit of 15W. This limitation affected power usage, making certain games, like Sonic Mania, draw more power than necessary.

When it came to gameplay, the results were fairly consistent with the Steam Deck. The ROG Ally outperformed the Steam Deck in some titles, such as Batman: Arkham Knight and Cyberpunk 2077, but lagged behind in others, including Deus Ex: Mankind Divided and Returnal. Overall, the performance was comparable to the Steam Deck’s LCD display, which is a positive sign for what Valve might be able to achieve on other devices with further optimizations.

About the Author

Abdul Haddi

Abdul is a tech writer and Editor for PC Guide, specializing in all things tech, gaming, and hardware.