Is the ROG Ally Set to Join the SteamOS Family? Valve’s Updated Brand Guidelines Suggest New Hardware Possibilities

Here’s what you need to know: Right now, Valve’s SteamOS, which is based on Linux, is officially only available on the Steam Deck. However, some recent branding updates suggest that things might be changing. There’s a hint that SteamOS could be powering third-party hardware in the future. For example, references to the ROG Ally have been spotted in past SteamOS updates, sparking curiosity about whether there might be a version planned without Windows 11.

Let me tell you, I’m a big fan of the Steam Deck. I’ve recently scored an ROG Ally during the Black Friday deals, yet I still find myself recommending the Steam Deck to most folks. A major reason is the SteamOS software it operates on. It’s optimized perfectly for handheld gaming, way more than Windows 11 can claim. It genuinely feels like a gaming console that fits in your hand, rather than a shrunken-down PC.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. This new development hints that SteamOS may soon be more than just a Steam Deck exclusive. Brad Lynch recently noticed Valve’s updated brand guidelines on X, and they might be tipping us off about potential third-party hardware powered by SteamOS in the future.

Valve has released some information regarding these newly spotted logos and their purpose. This is what they’ve shared: The “Powered by SteamOS” logo will indicate if hardware runs on SteamOS, launching into it right upon startup. Hardware partners or manufacturers will distribute devices with a Steam image, developed in close collaboration with Valve. They emphasized that no physical modifications should be made to the logo and that it shouldn’t be mixed with other branding.

While all this sounds promising, it’s important to note that this doesn’t necessarily mean there’s anything imminent on the horizon, nor does it confirm the arrival of new handheld devices. That said, the ROG Ally, as the most popular non-Valve handheld PC, has shown up in SteamOS changelogs before, making it a prime candidate for collaboration.

Imagine an ROG Ally running on SteamOS—that would be something! For one, it could potentially be cheaper than a device running Windows 11. Plus, let’s be real, Windows 11 is hardly user-friendly on handhelds, making SteamOS a refreshing alternative.

Of course, there are some tradeoffs. You wouldn’t be able to access titles from Xbox Game Pass that aren’t cloud-based, and certain games with Windows-exclusive anticheat systems, like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Valorant, and Fortnite, would be out of reach.

This could also be the start of something entirely different. Considering Valve’s previous encounters with Steam Machines, which didn’t quite hit the mark, there still might be hope that a small PC running SteamOS could fare better, especially with the goodwill the Steam Deck has earned.

Keep your eyes peeled for more updates—this could be a game-changer!