Wednesday, March 26th 2025
SteamOS Runs on ASUS ROG Ally, Complete Ecosystem Support Coming Soon
We are inching closer to Valve releasing an official, unmodified version of SteamOS for third-party handhelds and PCs, a significant push to broaden its gaming ecosystem beyond the Steam Deck. While the final build remains pending, tech reviewer The Phawx recently showcased an unofficial SteamOS 3.8 installation on the ASUS ROG Ally (2023), offering a glimpse into its current capabilities—and limitations. Running on Ally's Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, SteamOS already delivers solid performance in titles like Batman: Arkham Knight (73.3 FPS) and Horizon Zero Dawn (55.9 FPS) at 720p. However, challenges persist: hardware-specific features like Ally's VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) work, but its TDP controls and dedicated buttons remain non-functional. In Cyberpunk 2077, the Steam Deck narrowly outperformed the Ally (47.8 vs. 45.8 FPS), a result attributed to Valve's bespoke optimizations for its own hardware. The lack of TDP adjustment also led to inefficiencies, with some games defaulting to 20 W power draws.
Valve's upcoming "Powered by SteamOS" branding initiative aims to standardize third-party integrations, requiring partners to use official system images and launch directly into SteamOS. Early collaborations, like Lenovo's CES-announced Legion Go S, also contribute to this goal. Meanwhile, updates like SteamOS 3.6.19 have expanded support for devices such as the ROG Ally and third-party controllers, suggesting broader compatibility ahead. Valve's expansion could position SteamOS as a rival to Windows in the portable PC space, leveraging its gaming-first interface and growing developer support. While The Phawx's demo has shown SteamOS's potential, Valve's official release—expected to resolve current hardware quirks—will determine its viability for partners. As competition heats up, SteamOS's success may hinge on balancing open accessibility with the tailored optimizations that made the Steam Deck a hit. Further software tweaks will bring ecosystem stability and improved performance, and we expect Valve's partners to join and develop better integration with SteamOS, too.
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Valve's upcoming "Powered by SteamOS" branding initiative aims to standardize third-party integrations, requiring partners to use official system images and launch directly into SteamOS. Early collaborations, like Lenovo's CES-announced Legion Go S, also contribute to this goal. Meanwhile, updates like SteamOS 3.6.19 have expanded support for devices such as the ROG Ally and third-party controllers, suggesting broader compatibility ahead. Valve's expansion could position SteamOS as a rival to Windows in the portable PC space, leveraging its gaming-first interface and growing developer support. While The Phawx's demo has shown SteamOS's potential, Valve's official release—expected to resolve current hardware quirks—will determine its viability for partners. As competition heats up, SteamOS's success may hinge on balancing open accessibility with the tailored optimizations that made the Steam Deck a hit. Further software tweaks will bring ecosystem stability and improved performance, and we expect Valve's partners to join and develop better integration with SteamOS, too.
10 Comments on SteamOS Runs on ASUS ROG Ally, Complete Ecosystem Support Coming Soon
BTW. It's a asus device. Asus does not provide any support for the gnu userspace or the linux kernel. I had several ASUS notebooks with gnu gentoo linux. Currently I have a asus mainboard also. I had so many asus gamer notebooks which did not work for years properly
I did not really look into STEAM "fake" OS. But i think i read several times it is based on the linux kernel and the other stuff from the arch project.
Volvo is steam slang voor Le ValveWow man... I did a test drive in an EX30 a month back. I'll never step into a Volvo again. What an absolute POS.
Get this: to open the dashboard storage (which is far too small) you need to press three different buttons in succession on a touchscreen menu that changes on you while you touch each option. A simple press on the goddamn lid itself wasn't a tiny bit more common sense perhaps?
Its like they've paid lots of attention to things nobody cares about or will ever benefit from. Handling of the car is also a complete nightmare, you think a KIA steers lighty, try this, you might make a 360 just turning a corner. Your speedo isn't in direct view, nor anything else but the empty steering wheel and dash - so for any information you have to take your eyes to the center console. The Tesla Way I suppose, except now every other characteristic of the car is bottom tier and any sense of driving is muted or feels artificial.
Seriously I don't understand why people drive this utter crap. Its not even cheap by any standards, nor does it have more range than say a Hyundai Kona which costs 3k less with an extended range package and otherwise far better basics.
EX30 is literally a phone on wheels. And not some high end phone either, rather a cheap knockoff Android that DOES come with wood finish.
I too use autocorrect, but only suggestive. It cant alter my words at will. I have the final say whether to use suggested word or not.
since you would loose the Ally mean to be a latpop/desktop replacement (which is how i use it when i'm on holidays )
SteamOS is not really an OS (without some fiddling)
plus i also use EGS for some free games i got, GoG mainly for CP2077 and TWI/II/III tho i don't play CP/TWIII on the ally ;)
and thanks to Win11 i can also install some oldies using a dock and a ext-DVDRW drive
in short, if i wanted a game console i would have taken a Deck (and paid more than the Ally, because Screw-Switzerland laugh: )