Valve, the renowned gaming company, has been known to have big dreams when it comes to revolutionizing the gaming industry. One of its long-awaited promises was the idea of every PC maker having their own “Steam Machine,” a PC game console running the company’s Linux-based SteamOS. However, it took a decade for this dream to materialize into the development of the Steam Deck gaming handheld by Valve itself. Despite this, the original dream is not dead as Valve is now looking to expand SteamOS support to other companies as well.
In a recent revelation, Valve designer Lawrence Yang confirmed to The Verge that the company is planning to support rival handhelds such as the Asus ROG Ally. This was sparked by an intriguing line in Valve’s latest SteamOS release notes that mentioned, “Added support for extra ROG Ally keys.” This unexpected development has left many wondering about Valve’s intentions and the potential implications for the gaming industry.
According to Yang, the note about ROG Ally keys is in line with Valve’s efforts to provide third-party device support for SteamOS. The team is currently working on adding support for additional handhelds on SteamOS, indicating a shift towards a more inclusive approach within the gaming community. While this news may be exciting for gamers and tech enthusiasts alike, it does not necessarily mean that Asus will officially endorse Valve’s installer or sell the Ally with SteamOS.
Despite the progress being made by Valve, the company is not yet ready to offer SteamOS for rival handhelds right out of the box. It is a work in progress, with Valve making steady advancements towards achieving its goals. Valve also plans to release SteamOS 3 for non-handheld PCs, further expanding its reach within the gaming market. As for the promise of dual-boot support on Steam Decks, Valve remains dedicated to the idea but has not provided a specific timeline for its implementation.
Valve is not the only player in the field looking to adapt its Linux-based system and controller-friendly UI to Windows handhelds. Universal Blue has already demonstrated support for the Asus ROG Ally X even before its official release, showcasing the competitive landscape of the gaming industry. With companies like Valve and Universal Blue pushing the boundaries of innovation, the future of gaming looks promising and full of possibilities.
Valve’s decision to expand SteamOS support to rival handhelds marks a significant shift in the gaming industry. As the company continues to make strides towards achieving its goals, the gaming community can expect to see new opportunities and innovations in the near future. With competition heating up and boundaries being pushed, gamers are in for an exciting ride as companies like Valve and Universal Blue shape the future of gaming.
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