Valve's "Powered by SteamOS" Badge Found in Branding Guidelines, Teasing Third-Party Devices

What Does It Mean?

According to Valve’s description:

“The Powered by SteamOS logo indicates that the device is capable of running SteamOS and boots into SteamOS upon startup.”

This suggests that Valve is laying the groundwork for third-party manufacturers to produce officially supported devices preloaded with SteamOS, opening the door for a broader range of portable gaming consoles and other hardware.

Who's Joining the Party?

Rumors are swirling that Asus ROG Ally could be among the first third-party devices to carry the Powered by SteamOS certification. With its impressive hardware and portable form factor, this makes it a natural contender to challenge the Steam Deck, leveraging the same operating system.

As of now, the Steam Deck remains the only device preloaded with SteamOS, but 2024 could mark a turning point as Valve courts partners to expand the ecosystem.

My Take: Competition is Coming

Let’s be real—competition in the gaming hardware space is long overdue. The Steam Deck has dominated as the go-to device for portable PC gaming, but bringing in third-party players like Asus adds a whole new layer of excitement.

Valve’s open embrace of hardware diversity could reshape the market. Think about it: gaming enthusiasts could soon have multiple SteamOS devices tailored to different preferences, budgets, and performance levels.

I’ll be watching this space closely. A world where SteamOS becomes the default for portable PC gaming? That’s a game I’d play.