Valve to expand SteamOS to Asus ROG Ally and other Windows handheld gaming devices

Valve has confirmed that SteamOS, its Linux-based operating system, will soon be available on the Asus ROG Ally and other Windows handheld gaming devices. This follows recent SteamOS beta updates mentioning support for "extra ROG Ally keys," indicating Valve's efforts to enhance compatibility with third-party devices.

Valve engineer confirmed that the development team is working to integrate support for more handheld devices beyond the Steam Deck. The Asus ROG Ally currently runs on Windows 11, which is optimized for desktop use and presents usability challenges on smaller, thumb-based navigation screens.

SteamOS aims to provide a more user-friendly experience, allowing direct boot into the Steam Game library for quick game launches and featuring a built-in quick settings panel. This system is designed for controller-friendly navigation, offering a smoother gaming experience than its native Windows counterpart.