Valve has been vocal about their intentions to expand the reach of SteamOS beyond the Steam Deck to other gaming devices. A recent beta update hinted at adding support for the Asus ROG Ally’s inputs, indicating that Valve is actively working on making SteamOS compatible with non-Steam Deck portables. According to Valve engineer Lawrence Yang, the team is continuously adding support for additional handhelds on SteamOS, with the goal of enabling third-party device support. While this functionality may not be ready for immediate use, it is a promising development for gamers looking to experience high-performance gaming on devices like the ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go without switching to Windows 11.
Challenges of Dual Booting
One of the most anticipated features for Steam Deck owners is the ability to dual boot their handhelds with both SteamOS and Windows. This would provide users with the best of both worlds, allowing them to enjoy the extensive library of PC games on Steam while also accessing software that may not be compatible with SteamOS. However, despite initial discussions about the possibility of dual booting at the launch of the Steam Deck, Valve has indicated that this feature is still a work in progress. Lawrence Yang mentioned that while preparing Windows drivers for the Steam Deck OLED, there is no specific timeline for when dual boot support will be available. As of now, users can only manually install Windows on a microSD card and boot from there, with no immediate solution for keeping both operating systems on the Steam Deck’s SSD.
Implications for Gaming Experience
The prospect of expanding SteamOS to non-Steam Deck devices and potentially enabling dual booting has significant implications for the gaming experience of users. With support for additional handhelds, gamers can enjoy the performance advantages of devices like the ROG Ally while still utilizing SteamOS for their favorite games. The ability to dual boot with Windows opens up a world of possibilities for accessing a wider range of software and games, enhancing the overall versatility of the Steam Deck. While these features may not be available immediately, the ongoing development of SteamOS signals a commitment from Valve to continually improve the gaming experience for Steam Deck owners and fans alike.
The future of SteamOS is poised for expansion beyond the confines of the Steam Deck, with plans to support third-party devices and potentially introduce dual booting capabilities. While there are challenges and uncertainties regarding the timeline for these features, the overall direction indicates a positive trajectory for the evolution of SteamOS as a platform. Gamers can look forward to a more flexible and versatile gaming experience with the potential for enhanced compatibility and performance on a variety of handheld devices.
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