SteamOS beta adds ROG Ally and Legion Go support, new controller compatibility

[zohaibahd]

The big picture: Valve's SteamOS 3.7.5 beta update has arrived, bringing more than the usual bug fixes. The standout feature is early support for non-Steam Deck handhelds, including the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. While still in beta and preview channels, this update offers plenty to note.

Previous updates hinted at trackpad functionality for the Legion Go, but this release confirms extended input compatibility for both Asus and Lenovo devices. It introduces key features like power button support, laying the foundation for wider handheld integration. The update also highlights enhanced input functionality for both handhelds.

In addition, the update introduces support for the Byowave Proteus controller, a modular gamepad focusing on accessibility. Support for this controller is a meaningful step toward inclusive gaming and aligns with Steam's ongoing commitment to improving accessibility for all players.

This SteamOS beta upgrades to the Linux 6.11 kernel, along with an updated Arch Linux base and Mesa graphics drivers. A particularly welcome improvement for AMD users is the addition of P-State frequency scaling, enabling more intelligent and efficient CPU performance.

Desktop mode sees several notable upgrades, including a move from KDE Plasma 5 to 6.2.5. This change aligns the environment with the latest Qt framework and starts the transition toward Wayland as the default session. SteamOS also now includes KDE's Filelight app by default, offering a more intuitive way to visualize and manage disk space.

Valve has also delivered several quality-of-life improvements. The update introduces surround sound support in Desktop mode, improves reliability when switching between gaming and desktop environments, and resolves long-standing issues like slow shutdowns and desktop hangups.

Bluetooth behavior has also improved, particularly on LCD Steam Deck models. These devices can now wake from sleep using standard Bluetooth controllers, though Bluetooth Low Energy models are still unsupported.

Overall, the update reflects Valve's broader push to position SteamOS as the foundation for a growing handheld gaming ecosystem that extends beyond the Steam Deck and embraces a wider range of devices. With expanded hardware compatibility, desktop enhancements, and accessibility improvements, this release hints at Valve's long-term vision: making SteamOS the go-to platform for portable PC gaming.

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SteamOS beta adds ROG Ally and Legion Go support, new controller compatibility

 

[Burty117]

All good news in my eyes, did they ever give us an update on SteamOS for desktops? I seem to remember something about Nvidia drivers being shocking in Linux holding it all back?

 

[Thatsdisgusting]

All good news in my eyes, did they ever give us an update on SteamOS for desktops? I seem to remember something about Nvidia drivers being shocking in Linux holding it all back?

Is it gonna be full blow to Win in the first place? I mean not only The same history of compatibility for games back from 2000s, but other miscellaneous stuff so you dont need double boot back to Win.

 

[Kirby1]

All good news in my eyes, did they ever give us an update on SteamOS for desktops? I seem to remember something about Nvidia drivers being shocking in Linux holding it all back?

Personally I don't think Valve will release a desktop version.

Valve is a private company, so they don't have pressure from investors. I don't think Gabe wants compete with Windows. He's old, and he's always been more interested in doing something new. Steam OS and the success of PC handhelds is something new.

Gotta remember Steam runs on windows, where Steam makes the vast majority of its revenue. Going to war with Microsoft wouldn't make gaming better so Gabe won't do it.

 

[Burty117]

Is it gonna be full blow to Win in the first place? I mean not only The same history of compatibility for games back from 2000s, but other miscellaneous stuff so you dont need double boot back to Win.

Personally I don't think Valve will release a desktop version.

Valve is a private company, so they don't have pressure from investors. I don't think Gabe wants compete with Windows. He's old, and he's always been more interested in doing something new. Steam OS and the success of PC handhelds is something new.

Gotta remember Steam runs on windows, where Steam makes the vast majority of its revenue. Going to war with Microsoft wouldn't make gaming better so Gabe won't do it.

Okay so this is my bad, I definitely read something back in Jan about it, turns out, Valve changed their statement afterwards, instead of "devices" they changed it to "handhelds".

I swear I read something about the Linux Nvidia driver causing them problems as well and that's why they didn't release a beta when they announced it... Actually yeah, I'm not going crazy, but you both are right, I doubt they'll aim for the desktop market for now, However, I could see "Steam Machine 2.0" being really good against traditional consoles now, I'm quite literally this week playing through the Mass Effect Series on my Steam Deck docked to my TV, honestly, SteamOS is just kinda perfect for gaming, Valve really nailed it.

 

[yRaz]

Okay so this is my bad, I definitely read something back in Jan about it, turns out, Valve changed their statement afterwards, instead of "devices" they changed it to "handhelds".

I swear I read something about the Linux Nvidia driver causing them problems as well and that's why they didn't release a beta when they announced it... Actually yeah, I'm not going crazy, but you both are right, I doubt they'll aim for the desktop market for now, However, I could see "Steam Machine 2.0" being really good against traditional consoles now, I'm quite literally this week playing through the Mass Effect Series on my Steam Deck docked to my TV, honestly, SteamOS is just kinda perfect for gaming, Valve really nailed it.

nVidia Linux drivers are trash and they require tons of work around to get things like DLSS working. Basically all the fancy stuff that makes a 5070 give you 4090 performance doesn't work on Linux.

And noone has to wait to for steamOS. You can install Mint or Bazzite right now