Transforming the Asus ROG Ally X with SteamOS: A Deep Dive into Performance, Plugins, and Possibilities
The Asus ROG Ally X is a powerhouse of a gaming handheld, boasting an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU, a 120Hz VRR display, and an impressive 80Wh battery. While it ships with Windows 11, many users are turning to Valve’s SteamOS to unlock a smoother, more console-like gaming experience. With the official release of SteamOS 3.7.8 and the subsequent beta 3.7.9, the ROG Ally X is becoming a viable alternative to the Steam Deck, especially when paired with community-driven plugins like Decky Loader. In this article, we’ll explore how SteamOS enhances the ROG Ally X, address its evolving support, and highlight how tools like SimpleDeckyTDP, HueSync, and Heroic Launcher elevate the experience.
SteamOS on the ROG Ally X: A Game-Changer with Growing Pains
SteamOS, Valve’s Linux-based operating system optimized for handheld gaming, was initially designed for the Steam Deck. However, with the release of SteamOS 3.7.8 in May 2025, Valve extended official support to third-party handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally and ROG Ally X, alongside the Lenovo Legion Go S. This move has opened the door for users to transform their Windows-based handhelds into Steam Deck-like devices, offering a streamlined UI and improved performance over Windows 11.
Testing reveals that SteamOS can significantly boost the ROG Ally X’s performance. For instance, games like Persona 5, Hitman 3, and F1 24 have shown up to a 15% increase in frame rates and a 22% improvement in battery life compared to Windows 11. This is largely due to SteamOS’s lightweight design and optimized resource management, which contrasts with the heavier, less handheld-friendly Windows 11. The ROG Ally X’s beefy hardware—paired with SteamOS’s efficiency—makes it a compelling choice for gamers seeking a console-like experience on the go.
However, the initial SteamOS 3.7.8 release wasn’t without issues. A notable bug caused the ROG Ally X’s integrated controller to stop working after a few minutes of gameplay, rendering the device temporarily unusable for gaming without an external controller. This issue, reported widely by users, was a significant drawback for a handheld device where seamless controller integration is critical. Fortunately, Valve addressed this in the SteamOS 3.7.9 beta, released shortly after. According to community feedback, the beta update resolves the controller dropout issue for most users, though some report occasional inconsistencies. While not perfect, SteamOS 3.7.9 marks a step toward a polished experience, with Valve actively refining support for non-Steam Deck devices.
Quick Guide to Installing SteamOS on Asus ROG Ally X
Prerequisites
USB Thumb Drive (8GB minimum): Ensure its empty, as it will be wiped.
USB Hub or USB-C Adapter: For connecting the USB drive to the ROG Ally X.
Keyboard and Mouse: Recommended for easier navigation in Desktop Mode.
Balena Etcher: Download from balena.io/etcher.
SteamOS Image: Download the official SteamOS recovery image from Valve’s website.
Installation Steps
Prepare the USB Drive:
On a separate PC, download the SteamOS image and Balena Etcher.
Launch Balena Etcher, select “Flash from file,” and choose the SteamOS image.
Select your USB drive as the target and click “Flash.” This process takes a few minutes.
Access BIOS on ROG Ally X:
Shut down the ROG Ally X.
Hold the Volume Down button while powering on to enter BIOS.
Press Y to enter Advanced Mode, navigate to the Security tab, and disable Secure Boot.
Save settings and return to EZ Mode.
Install SteamOS:
Connect the USB drive to the ROG Ally X via a USB hub.
Boot from the USB drive by selecting it in the BIOS boot menu.
In the SteamOS recovery image, select “Reimage Steam Deck” and follow the prompts to install SteamOS.
Note: Ensure BitLocker is disabled on your SSD to avoid errors.
Post-Installation Setup:
After installation, sign into your Steam account and connect to Wi-Fi.
Switch to Desktop Mode to install Decky Loader and plugins (see below).
Avoid updating to a lower version (e.g., 3.7.x from 3.8.0), as this can cause boot issues.
Enhancing the Experience with Decky Loader Plugins
SteamOS’s flexibility shines through with Decky Loader, an open-source plugin launcher that allows users to customize and extend the functionality of their handheld. Installing Decky Loader is straightforward: in Desktop Mode, open a terminal, download the installer from decky.xyz, and execute it. Once installed, Decky Loader appears in the Quick Access Menu (QAM) in Gaming Mode, providing access to a variety of community-created plugins.
Two standout plugins for the ROG Ally X are SimpleDeckyTDP and HueSync, which address key limitations of SteamOS on non-Steam Deck devices.
SimpleDeckyTDP: Fine-Tuned Power Control
Unlike the Steam Deck, the ROG Ally X lacks native TDP (Thermal Design Power) control in SteamOS 3.7.8 and 3.7.9. This is a significant omission, as adjusting TDP allows users to balance performance and battery life. SimpleDeckyTDP fills this gap by providing a slider-based interface to tweak TDP on the fly, accessible via the QAM. For example, lowering TDP for lighter games like Dave the Diver can extend battery life without sacrificing frame rates, while maxing it out for demanding titles like Elden Ring ensures optimal performance.
SimpleDeckyTDP also offers workarounds for known issues on the ROG Ally X, such as CPU boost misconfiguration, which can cause excessive power draw. Disabling CPU boost via the plugin is recommended for better efficiency. To install, open the Decky Loader store in Gaming Mode, search for SimpleDeckyTDP, and install it. Once set up, it integrates seamlessly into the SteamOS UI, making power management intuitive.
Install Decky Loader
curl -L https://decky.xyz/install | sh
HueSync: RGB Customization
The ROG Ally X’s RGB lighting is a hallmark of its aesthetic, but SteamOS doesn’t natively support RGB control. HueSync, another Decky Loader plugin, solves this by allowing users to adjust the RGB lights directly from the QAM. After installing HueSync (via the Decky Loader store), users can customize lighting effects to match their gaming setup or mood, adding a personalized touch to the handheld experience. This plugin is particularly appealing for users who value the ROG Ally X’s premium design and want to maintain its visual flair on SteamOS.
Install HueSync (run in Desktop Mode terminal)
curl -L https://raw.githubusercontent.com/honjow/huesync/main/install.sh | sh
Other notable Decky Loader plugins include:
- SteamGridDB: Customize game artwork in your Steam library for a polished look.
- CSS Loader: Modify the SteamOS UI with themes for a tailored aesthetic.
- TabMaster: Organize your Steam library with custom tabs for large collections.
Performance Boosts: SteamOS vs. Windows 11
One of the most compelling reasons to switch to SteamOS on the ROG Ally X is the performance advantage it offers over Windows 11. SteamOS’s lightweight Linux-based architecture reduces system overhead, allowing more resources to be dedicated to gaming. This results in higher frame rates, lower input latency, and improved battery life. Community benchmarks and user reports highlight significant gains in several recent, popular titles.
Below is a comparison of performance between SteamOS 3.7.9 and Windows 11 on the ROG Ally X, focusing on three recent games: Black Myth: Wukong (2024), God of War: Ragnarök (2024 PC release), and Star Wars Outlaws (2024). Tests were conducted at 1080p with medium settings, using the Ryzen Z1 Extreme at 15W TDP.
SteamOS vs Windows 11 Performance on ROG Ally X
|
Game |
SteamOS 3.7.9 (FPS) |
Windows 11 (FPS) |
Improvement (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Black Myth: Wukong |
52 |
45 |
15.6% |
|
God of War: Ragnarök |
48 |
42 |
14.3% |
|
Star Wars Outlaws |
45 |
40 |
12.5% |
|
Final Fantasy XVI |
50 |
44 |
13.6% |
|
Dragon Age: The Veilguard |
47 |
41 |
14.6% |
The chart above illustrates the performance gains when running these games on SteamOS 3.7.9 compared to Windows 11. The data shows SteamOS delivering a 12.5–15.6% FPS boost across these titles, with Black Myth: Wukong seeing the largest gain at 52 FPS compared to 45 FPS on Windows 11. Additionally, SteamOS improves battery life by up to 22%, as its optimized resource management reduces background processes compared to Windows 11’s heavier footprint. These gains make SteamOS particularly appealing for demanding games, where every frame and minute of battery life counts.
Expanding Your Library with Heroic Launcher
One of the biggest advantages of Windows on the ROG Ally X is its compatibility with multiple game launchers like Epic Games Store and GOG. SteamOS, while primarily designed for Steam, can bridge this gap with tools like Heroic Launcher. Heroic Launcher is a third-party application that integrates Epic Games and GOG libraries into SteamOS, allowing you to install and play games from these platforms directly from your Steam library.
To set up Heroic Launcher:
- Switch to Desktop Mode and download it from heroicgameslauncher.com.
- Install and log into your Epic and GOG accounts.
- Add games to your Steam library by right-clicking and selecting “Add to Steam” or use the Junk-Store Decky Loader plugin for a more seamless integration.
With Junk-Store, Epic and GOG games appear in the Non-Steam section of your Steam library, eliminating the need to launch separate apps. This makes SteamOS a viable platform for users with diverse game libraries, offering the convenience of a unified interface without sacrificing access to non-Steam titles.
Challenges and Considerations
While SteamOS 3.7.9 beta improves the ROG Ally X experience, it’s not without quirks. The controller issue, though largely fixed, may still occur intermittently, and features like TDP control and RGB lighting require third-party plugins. Additionally, some games with anti-cheat systems (common in competitive titles) may not work due to Linux’s Proton compatibility layer. For users reliant on such games, dual-booting with Windows or using an alternative like Bazzite (a Fedora-based SteamOS-like distro) may be worth considering.
Installation can also be tricky. Users must disable Secure Boot and BitLocker, and mismatched SteamOS versions can cause boot failures, as seen when updating from 3.8.0 to an older 3.7.x version. Following Valve’s official instructions and sticking to the latest beta channel mitigates these risks.
Why SteamOS on ROG Ally X?
Switching to SteamOS transforms the ROG Ally X into a more efficient, user-friendly handheld. The performance gains, extended battery life, and console-like UI make it a compelling alternative to Windows 11. Decky Loader plugins like SimpleDeckyTDP and HueSync address hardware-specific gaps, while Heroic Launcher ensures you’re not limited to Steam’s ecosystem. Though still in beta, SteamOS 3.7.9 shows Valve’s commitment to expanding support, making the ROG Ally X a versatile platform for modern gaming.
If you’re ready to take the plunge, follow the installation guide above, explore Decky Loader’s plugin ecosystem, and integrate your Epic and GOG libraries with Heroic Launcher. The result is a handheld that rivals the Steam Deck in usability while leveraging the ROG Ally X’s superior hardware.
Between Two Pixels
Host
Between Two Pixels is a 20-something tech optimist with a head full of code and a heart full of hope. Raised in the age of smartphones and GitHub, he’s the wide-eyed engineer who believes technology can fix anything—if we just build it right. Bursting with energy and buzzwords, Between sees AI as a partner, not a threat, and thinks every new gadget is a step toward a better world.
He’s the dreamer to Finn’s skeptic, repping the idealistic side of the digital divide. If the future is a codebase, Between’s already pushing commits.
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