SteamOS Expands to Third-Party Handheld Consoles, Challenging Microsoft's Dominance
Valve is set to shake up the handheld gaming market by extending its SteamOS operating system to third-party devices, including the ASUS ROG Ally, marking a strategic move that positions the company in direct competition with Microsoft. This expansion could significantly impact the handheld gaming landscape, where Microsoft’s Windows platform currently dominates.
In a recent community post, Valve announced the addition of support for “extra ROG Ally keys” in the latest beta version of SteamOS. The update signals Valve’s commitment to broadening the reach of its Linux-based operating system beyond its flagship Steam Deck gaming console. Lawrence Yang, a designer at Valve, confirmed in a statement to The Verge that the company is actively working to integrate SteamOS with various third-party handheld devices.
SteamOS, Valve’s custom Linux operating system, has been optimized specifically for handheld gaming on the Steam Deck. By extending support to other devices, Valve aims to challenge the current dominance of Microsoft’s Windows platform, which powers most competing handhelds. This includes devices like the ASUS ROG Ally, ROG Ally X, MSI Claw, and Lenovo Legion Go, all of which utilize Windows.
Microsoft’s Windows platform has faced criticism for not being tailored to the unique needs of handheld gaming consoles, prompting OEMs to develop their own custom interfaces. Valve’s SteamOS, in contrast, is purpose-built for handheld gaming, providing a more streamlined and optimized experience for users.
The move by Valve could pose a significant challenge to Microsoft, especially as Valve’s Steam Deck was among the first to refine a current-generation handheld gaming experience with SteamOS. While Microsoft is reportedly developing its own Xbox handheld gaming console, it is unlikely to run Windows. Instead, the Xbox handheld may feature a bespoke interface similar to SteamOS or serve as a remote play device complementing traditional gaming consoles.
As Valve pushes forward with its plans, the gaming community eagerly anticipates how the expanded availability of SteamOS on third-party devices will influence the competitive landscape and potentially shift preferences in the handheld gaming market.