Latest news with #SteamOS
Geeky Gadgets
14 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Geeky Gadgets
How to Install SteamOS on Your ROG Ally or Legion Go Portable Games Consoles
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to transform your handheld gaming console into a dedicated Steam-powered machine? For gamers who own devices like the ROG Ally or Legion Go, the prospect of running Valve's streamlined, gaming-focused operating system—SteamOS—can feel like unlocking a hidden level of performance and convenience. But here's the catch: installing SteamOS isn't exactly a plug-and-play process. It requires careful preparation, a bit of technical know-how, and a willingness to embrace the challenges of customization. The good news? With the right guidance, you can turn your portable console into a seamless gateway to Valve's ecosystem, complete with optimized performance and access to your entire Steam library. In this step-by-step walkthrough, ETA Prime shows you how to install SteamOS on x86-based handhelds like the ROG Ally, Legion Go, and other compatible devices. You'll learn how to prepare essential tools like a recovery image and flashing software, configure BIOS settings, and navigate the installation process without a hitch. Along the way, we'll also address potential hurdles—like data loss and feature gaps—and share tips for post-installation optimization to ensure your device runs smoothly. Whether you're a tech-savvy tinkerer or a curious gamer looking to explore new possibilities, this guide, inspired by the expertise of ETA PRIME, will help you unlock the full potential of your handheld console. What could your gaming experience look like with a system built entirely around play? Let's find out. Installing SteamOS on Handhelds Compatible Devices and Requirements SteamOS is specifically designed for x86-based handheld gaming devices, making it compatible with a range of popular models. Supported devices include: ROG Ally and ROG Ally X: Known for their robust hardware and gaming performance. Known for their robust hardware and gaming performance. Legion Go and Legion Go S: Lenovo's portable gaming consoles with versatile features. Lenovo's portable gaming consoles with versatile features. Zotac Zone: Compact devices offering solid gaming capabilities. Compact devices offering solid gaming capabilities. Other x86 portable gaming consoles: Ensure your device meets the hardware requirements for compatibility. Before proceeding, confirm that your device meets the minimum hardware specifications for SteamOS. This step is crucial to avoid compatibility issues during installation. Preparation: Essential Tools and Resources Proper preparation is the foundation of a successful SteamOS installation. Gather the following tools and resources: SteamOS Recovery Image: Download the official recovery image from Valve's website to ensure you have the latest version. Download the official recovery image from Valve's website to ensure you have the latest version. USB Drive: Use a high-speed USB drive with at least 8GB of storage capacity to store the recovery image. Use a high-speed USB drive with at least 8GB of storage capacity to store the recovery image. Flashing Tool: Tools like Rufus (for Windows) or Etcher (for Mac/Linux) are recommended for writing the recovery image to the USB drive. Before flashing the recovery image, ensure the USB drive is formatted correctly. Double-check the flashing process to avoid errors that could disrupt the installation. Taking these steps minimizes the risk of installation failures and ensures a smoother process. SteamOS on the ROG Ally, Legion GO and Other Consoles Watch this video on YouTube. Enhance your knowledge on SteamOS by exploring a selection of articles and guides on the subject. Configuring BIOS Settings for SteamOS To install SteamOS, you must first adjust your device's BIOS settings. Follow these steps to configure your BIOS: Access the BIOS: Restart your device and press the designated key (commonly F2, F10, or Delete) during the boot process. Restart your device and press the designated key (commonly F2, F10, or Delete) during the boot process. Disable Secure Boot: This step is necessary to allow the installation of unsigned operating systems like SteamOS. This step is necessary to allow the installation of unsigned operating systems like SteamOS. Set Boot Priority: Configure the USB drive as the primary boot device in the boot order menu to ensure the system boots from the recovery image. After making these changes, save your settings and exit the BIOS. Properly configuring the BIOS ensures that your device can boot from the USB drive and proceed with the SteamOS installation without interruptions. Step-by-Step Installation Process With your USB drive prepared and BIOS configured, you're ready to install SteamOS. Follow these steps for a successful installation: Insert the prepared USB drive into your device and restart it. You may need to manually select the USB drive as the boot device during startup. Once the system boots from the USB drive, follow the on-screen prompts to initiate the installation process. Select the 'Wipe device and install SteamOS' option. Note that this will erase all existing data, including any installed operating systems like Windows. Complete the initial setup by selecting your preferred language, time zone, and network settings. The installation process may take several minutes. Avoid interrupting the device or powering it off during this time to prevent errors or incomplete installations. Post-Installation Configuration After successfully installing SteamOS, complete the following steps to finalize the setup and optimize your device: Log In: Use your Steam account credentials to access your game library and other features. Use your Steam account credentials to access your game library and other features. Run System Updates: Update the system to ensure you have the latest software, drivers, and security patches. Update the system to ensure you have the latest software, drivers, and security patches. Optimize Network Settings: Configure your network for stable and reliable connectivity during online gaming sessions. Additionally, explore the system settings to customize performance and tailor the gaming experience to your preferences. This may include adjusting display settings, allowing performance modes, or configuring controller inputs. Device-Specific Adjustments for Optimal Performance Different handheld gaming devices may require unique configurations to maximize performance and battery life. Consider the following adjustments: TDP Control: Adjusting the Thermal Design Power (TDP) can help balance performance and battery efficiency. For Legion Go devices, TDP settings can be modified directly in the BIOS. ROG Ally users may need third-party software for this adjustment. Adjusting the Thermal Design Power (TDP) can help balance performance and battery efficiency. For Legion Go devices, TDP settings can be modified directly in the BIOS. ROG Ally users may need third-party software for this adjustment. Resolution Settings: SteamOS supports various resolutions, but setting the display to 720p can improve performance on smaller screens without compromising visual quality. SteamOS supports various resolutions, but setting the display to 720p can improve performance on smaller screens without compromising visual quality. Power Management: Advanced power management features may require additional plugins or manual configuration to optimize battery usage during extended gaming sessions. These adjustments can significantly enhance your gaming experience by making sure smooth performance and efficient power consumption tailored to your specific device. Key Considerations and Limitations While SteamOS offers a robust and gaming-focused operating system, it's important to be aware of its limitations before proceeding: Data Loss: Installing SteamOS will erase all existing data on your device, making dual-booting with other operating systems, such as Windows, impossible. Back up important files before starting the installation process. Installing SteamOS will erase all existing data on your device, making dual-booting with other operating systems, such as Windows, impossible. Back up important files before starting the installation process. Feature Gaps: Some features may not work out of the box and could require third-party software or manual adjustments to enable full functionality. Understanding these limitations allows you to make an informed decision and prepare adequately for the transition to SteamOS. Enhancing Your Gaming Experience with SteamOS Installing SteamOS on handheld gaming devices like the ROG Ally, Legion Go, and similar consoles provides a streamlined and immersive gaming environment. By carefully preparing your USB drive, configuring BIOS settings, and following the installation steps, you can transform your device into a dedicated gaming powerhouse. While there are some limitations, such as the lack of dual-boot support, the benefits of a portable SteamOS experience—seamless integration with Valve's ecosystem, optimized performance, and access to a vast library of games—make it an appealing choice for gaming enthusiasts. With proper setup and customization, SteamOS can unlock the full potential of your handheld gaming device. Media Credit: ETA PRIME Filed Under: Gaming News, Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
National Post
a day ago
- Business
- National Post
ASUS ROG Ally X review: Hardcore hardware for handheld gaming
Article content Another hardware gripe I have (though perhaps it's software related?) is the glass power button that doubles as the fingerprint sensor. I was excited that this would allow me to wake and login to the Ally X quickly every time, but I found that it was terribly spotty. It's worked maybe 10 per cent of the time, and I've re-mapped my finger(s) numerous times. Pick a short pin as backup because you're going to be using it. Article content I've also mentioned the need for adapters to get external accessories working, and this is another one of my frustration points. I have a USB C dongle that includes an HDMI port that I've used on other computers to get an external display going, and it didn't work on the Ally X. Article content Windows is (once again) perhaps the worst part of using an ASUS product, though perhaps a necessary evil of the inclusive gaming landscape. The one thing I'll say about Windows 11 on the Ally X is that I was surprised to find that it's, well… Windows 11. Full on, Windows 11. Like I've mentioned earlier and in other articles, I'm primarily a console gamer and a Mac user, so I was sort of astounded to realize that this gaming handheld was essentially a tiny (yet fully capable) PC. If you can stomach Windows, or are confident enough to finagle a partition with Bazzite or SteamOS installed, then this handheld device is an absolute must-have. Article content Article content Processor Article content Display Article content 7-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 16:9 IPS-level glossy display sRGB: 100% Adobe: 75.35% Gorilla® Glass Victus™ Touch Screen (10-point multi-touch) Refresh Rate: 120Hz Response Time: 7ms Brightness: 500 nits FreeSync Premium Article content Memory Article content 12GB*2 LPDDR5 on board Support dual channel memory Article content Storage: 1TB PCIe® 4.0 NVMe™ M.2 SSD (2280) Article content I/O Ports Article content Article content Control and Input Article content A B X Y buttons D-pad L & R Hall Effect analog triggers L & R bumpers View button Menu button Command Center button Armoury Crate button 2 x assignable grip buttons Thumbsticks: 2 x full-size analog sticks Haptics: HD haptics Gyro: 6-Axis IMU Article content Audio Article content AI noise-canceling technology Hi-Res certification (for headphone) Smart Amp Technology Dolby Atmos Built-in array microphone 2-speaker system with Smart Amplifier Technology Article content Battery: 80WHrs, 4S1P, 4-cell Li-ion Article content Power Supply Article content TYPE-C, 65W AC Adapter, Output: 20V DC, 3.25A, 65W, Input: 100~240V AC 50/60Hz universal Article content Weight: 678 g (1.49 lbs) Article content Security Article content
Geeky Gadgets
3 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
SteamOS vs Windows : The Ultimate Test on a High-End Gaming Laptop
What if your gaming laptop could ditch Windows entirely and still deliver a seamless, high-performance gaming experience? That's the bold promise of SteamOS, Valve's Linux-based operating system designed specifically for gamers. While Linux has long been seen as a niche option in the gaming world, SteamOS is making waves by offering a streamlined, gaming-first alternative to traditional setups. But how does it hold up when installed on a powerhouse like the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14? This compact yet formidable laptop, with its AMD Ryzen 9 processor and Radeon RX 6700S GPU, seems like a perfect match for SteamOS's ambitions—but does the reality live up to the hype? ETA Prime demonstrates what happens when you pair SteamOS with high-end gaming hardware. From the installation process to real-world performance benchmarks, you'll discover how this operating system tackles popular titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Doom Eternal. But it's not all smooth sailing—challenges like limited hardware compatibility and missing customization options reveal where SteamOS still has room to grow. Whether you're a Linux enthusiast, a curious gamer, or simply looking for a Windows alternative, this deep dive into SteamOS on the Zephyrus G14 offers a glimpse into the future of gaming laptops. SteamOS on Gaming Laptops Hardware Overview: The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is a compact yet powerful gaming laptop, making it an ideal candidate for testing SteamOS. Its hardware specifications are tailored for high-performance gaming and demanding tasks, offering a robust platform for evaluating the operating system. Key specifications include: Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS with 8 cores, 16 threads, and a maximum clock speed of up to 5 GHz. AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS with 8 cores, 16 threads, and a maximum clock speed of up to 5 GHz. Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 6700S GPU featuring 8 GB of dedicated VRAM, optimized for modern gaming titles. AMD Radeon RX 6700S GPU featuring 8 GB of dedicated VRAM, optimized for modern gaming titles. Memory: 16 GB of RAM, making sure smooth multitasking and game performance. 16 GB of RAM, making sure smooth multitasking and game performance. Display: A 16:10 aspect ratio, offering a taller vertical resolution compared to the standard 16:9, enhancing productivity and gaming visuals. This hardware configuration is well-suited for testing Steam, providing a balance of power and efficiency that aligns with the operating system's gaming-focused design. Installing SteamOS: A Smooth Start with Some Caveats For this evaluation, SteamOS Hollow 3.624 was installed on the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14. The installation process was straightforward, with the system booting up without significant issues. SteamOS offers several built-in features that cater to gamers, including: TDP Control: This feature allows users to adjust power consumption and thermal output directly within the operating system, allowing better performance management. This feature allows users to adjust power consumption and thermal output directly within the operating system, allowing better performance management. Gaming Optimization: SteamOS provides a streamlined interface tailored for gaming, minimizing distractions and focusing on performance. Despite the smooth installation, certain limitations became evident. GPU settings were primarily managed through the BIOS, restricting manual adjustments within SteamOS itself. Additionally, features like RGB keyboard customization—a popular aspect of gaming laptops—were unavailable, limiting personalization options for users who value aesthetic customization. SteamOS Installed on a Powerful Gaming Laptop Watch this video on YouTube. Take a look at other insightful guides from our broad collection that might capture your interest in SteamOS. Gaming Performance: Smooth Gameplay with a Few Hiccups To evaluate gaming performance, several popular titles were tested at 1440p resolution with high settings. The results demonstrated that SteamOS is capable of delivering a strong gaming experience under the right conditions. Key findings include: Cyberpunk 2077: Playable performance was achieved with FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) enabled, maintaining a balance between visual quality and frame rates. Playable performance was achieved with FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) enabled, maintaining a balance between visual quality and frame rates. Doom Eternal: The game delivered consistently high frame rates without requiring significant adjustments, showcasing the system's capability for fast-paced action titles. The game delivered consistently high frame rates without requiring significant adjustments, showcasing the system's capability for fast-paced action titles. The Witcher 3 and Spider-Man 2: Both games ran smoothly with minimal tweaks, highlighting SteamOS's ability to handle graphically intensive titles. However, not all games performed flawlessly. Titles like Doom: The Dark Ages encountered compatibility issues, reflecting SteamOS's occasional struggles with specific game engines or configurations. When compared to Windows, performance differences ranged from 10 to 25 frames per second (FPS), depending on the game and settings. While Steam demonstrated commendable performance overall, it occasionally lagged behind Windows in terms of raw frame rates, particularly in more demanding scenarios. Challenges and Limitations While SteamOS shows promise as a gaming platform, several challenges and limitations were observed during testing: Aspect Ratio Issues: The laptop's native 16:10 aspect ratio was not fully supported, with many games defaulting to the more common 16:9 format. This resulted in black bars at the top and bottom of the screen, detracting from the immersive experience. The laptop's native 16:10 aspect ratio was not fully supported, with many games defaulting to the more common 16:9 format. This resulted in black bars at the top and bottom of the screen, detracting from the immersive experience. Hardware Compatibility: The limited availability of gaming laptops with AMD dedicated GPUs for SteamOS testing posed a challenge. While the Radeon RX 6700S performed well, broader hardware support is essential for wider adoption. Nvidia GPUs, for instance, face significant driver compatibility issues with SteamOS, further limiting options for users. The limited availability of gaming laptops with AMD dedicated GPUs for SteamOS testing posed a challenge. While the Radeon RX 6700S performed well, broader hardware support is essential for wider adoption. Nvidia GPUs, for instance, face significant driver compatibility issues with SteamOS, further limiting options for users. Software Limitations: Certain features, such as RGB keyboard customization, were unavailable. This lack of support for personalization features reduces the appeal of SteamOS for gamers who prioritize customization. These challenges highlight areas where SteamOS requires further refinement to compete effectively with Windows as a gaming platform. Addressing these issues will be crucial for its future development and adoption. SteamOS as a Gaming Platform: Potential and Progress SteamOS demonstrated impressive performance on the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14, particularly when paired with AMD hardware. The operating system's gaming-focused features, such as TDP control and a streamlined interface, add value for users seeking to optimize their gaming experience. Games ran smoothly at high settings, showcasing the platform's potential as a viable alternative to Windows for gaming laptops. However, challenges such as aspect ratio compatibility, limited hardware support, and occasional game-specific issues underscore the need for continued development. SteamOS remains a work in progress, with room for improvement in areas like software optimization and broader hardware compatibility. For gamers considering SteamOS, it offers a promising alternative but may not yet fully replace Windows for all use cases. This evaluation provides valuable insights into the current state of SteamOS, highlighting its strengths and areas for growth. As the platform continues to evolve, it has the potential to become a more competitive option for gaming laptops, offering a streamlined and performance-focused experience for enthusiasts and developers alike. Media Credit: ETA PRIME Filed Under: Gaming News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Gizmodo
5 days ago
- Gizmodo
Every PC Handheld is a Steam Deck Now With SteamOS Support
If you own a PC handheld that runs Windows 11, you'll want to install the newest version of SteamOS. Thank me later. Valve's SteamOS is here to take the reins for your favorite mobile gaming machines. The company's latest update enables anybody to load up Valve's native handheld software onto (almost) any handheld PC, providing a much cleaner, console-like experience for a smaller screen. We've already seen how the change in operating system can increase gaming performance on familiar handhelds. At this rate, Valve is in a good position to give every PC—not just handhelds—the Steam Deck treatment. SteamOS version 3.7.8 is finally out of beta. While it's built with Steam Decks in mind, it also adds compatibility with the Lenovo Legion Go S. The extra step this takes is creating compatibility with any handheld PC running an AMD chipset. That includes devices like the original Lenovo Legion Go, as well as the Asus ROG Ally and Ally X. Valve doesn't care about having its own proprietary software tied to hardware. It cares more about proliferating the Steam marketplace on every gaming machine, big or small. Getting SteamOS installed on a separate handheld involves downloading the SteamOS recovery image. Valve offers instructions for how to do that on its website, which includes separate instructions for both the Legion Go and ROG Ally. While there's a possibility you may be able to install SteamOS on other handhelds from smaller brands like Ayaneo and GPD, there are a few major handhelds missing from this list. Both the MSI Claw 7 and Claw 8 AI+ use an Intel chipset and run on Windows 11. Earlier this year, Valve told French tech outlet Frandroid it was working with Intel on SteamOS support, but the makers of Half-Life haven't revealed when it might add that support. At least MSI's upcoming Claw A8 with its AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme should be compatible when it finally sees the light of day. Valve made it clear that SteamOS working on other handhelds isn't as clean as it should be when it arrives on the Legion Go S. At least, Valve explained how its 'Steam Deck Verified' will work on non-Steam Deck devices. Anything that is supported on SteamOS will get a 'SteamOS Compatible' label, of which around 18,000 titles should work on handhelds. However, this won't tell you if the game is built for a small screen or if it will run at a playable framerate. SteamOS is based on Linux, though it currently isn't built to run on any regular PC. There are certain functions, like the sleep and wake modes, that are tuned specifically for handheld. The recovery image released Friday won't work on any full laptop or desktop. As for whether we'll be able to turn any Windows PC into a newfangled 'Steam Machine,' we may not have to wait too much longer. Valve has previously stated it was planning to ship 'a general installer for SteamOS available for other manufacturers who wish to make a gaming device of their own.' The days of Windows' dominance of PC gaming may be coming to an end—or at least we may finally have some competition. Though we've already wrapped our mitts around the Windows version of Lenovo's 8-inch single-body handheld, the SteamOS version is set to launch May 25 for $600 compared to the $730 version with Windows 11. Gizmodo will have its own review of the new edition of the Go S, and we're hoping the new price point and potential performance uptick may finally offer an alternative to Valve's own handheld. Windows-based handhelds have to run more background tasks compared to SteamOS, and that impacts performance. Microsoft has hinted its working on to make its operating system better on handheld, and it may even tie itself to Asus to launch an officially licensed Xbox handheld PC. Even if Microsoft can make headway on a handheld mode, Valve has a head start. Steam is still the largest game distribution platform on PC, and—despite Game Pass' reported growing popularity—Microsoft can't come close to Valve's overwhelming dominance. Either way, comfort and ease of use are the big reasons to make the switch. It's not exactly seamless to get non-Steam games on Steam Deck, but if the alternative is navigating Microsoft's increasingly ad-filled OS, most would choose the more-seamless option.
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Business Standard
Now, you can use SteamOS on Asus ROG Ally, other handheld gaming consoles
Valve, the American video game publisher and digital distribution company, has released a major update to SteamOS – the operating system that powers its popular handheld gaming device, the Steam Deck. The new version, SteamOS 3.7.8, introduces several improvements for Steam Deck users but also for those using other handheld devices like the Lenovo Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally. SteamOS expands beyond the Steam Deck Until now, SteamOS was primarily developed for the Steam Deck. With this update, Valve is officially supporting a wider range of devices. For the first time, users of the Lenovo Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally will be able to install SteamOS more easily using a recovery image provided by Valve. A recovery image allows users to restore their Steam Deck to its original state by wiping all data and reinstalling the operating system. This move enables gamers who prefer these Windows-based handhelds to switch to Valve's gaming-focused OS. Valve has published installation instructions, though it notes that support for non-certified devices is not yet final. Improvements for Steam Deck users Bluetooth microphone support in Desktop mode: Players can now use the microphone on their wireless earbuds, but only when the Steam Deck is in desktop mode. This feature is not yet available in gaming mode. Remote power-on via Bluetooth controller: Owners of the Steam Deck LCD model can now turn on the device remotely using a Bluetooth controller. Previously, this feature was exclusive to the OLED model and is particularly useful when the device is docked to a TV. Battery care feature: Users can now limit battery charging to 80 per cent to protect long-term battery health when the device is constantly plugged in. Technical upgrades: These enhancements are supported by a newer version of Arch Linux, updated Mesa graphics drivers, and an upgraded Plasma desktop environment. Also Read Valve's broader vision for SteamOS Valve's updated FAQ suggests the company is working with additional partners to release officially licensed 'Powered by SteamOS' devices. This could include more handhelds or even mini-consoles that run SteamOS out of the box. Market rumours also suggest that Valve is developing a wireless VR headset, reportedly named 'Deckard.' According to The Verge, this could be part of a broader initiative to build a full SteamOS-powered living room console—reminiscent of the earlier Steam Machines concept.
