After months of eager anticipation, SteamOS has finally made its debut for non-Steam Deck gaming handhelds, including the Windows-powered ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. The installation process is straightforward, as I discovered while setting up SteamOS on my ROG Ally, while my Editor-in-Chief took on the task with his Legion Go.
Installation Steps for SteamOS
To get started, you’ll need a USB-C stick and the SteamOS recovery image, which can be downloaded from Steam’s website. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth installation:
- Download the SteamOS recovery image from Steam’s website.
- Next, download the Rufus utility from its official site, which will help you create a bootable USB drive.
- Open File Explorer, navigate to your Downloads folder, right-click on the Steam Deck recovery file, and select Extract All.
- Once extracted, launch Rufus and click on the Select button to choose the uncompressed Steam Deck repair files.
- Click Start. A warning will inform you that all data on the USB will be erased; select OK to proceed.
- Wait for Rufus to create your bootable SteamOS USB key, then safely remove it from your computer.
- On your ROG Ally, press the Start button, select the Power icon, and choose Restart.
- While the device restarts, hold down the Volume Up button until the BIOS menu appears.
- Select Enter Setup if prompted.
- Press the Y button to switch to Advanced Mode in the BIOS.
- Navigate to the Security tab and select Secure Boot, changing it to Disabled.
- Press the B button to return to the previous menu.
- Go to the Save & Exit tab and select Save Changes and Exit.
- Confirm by selecting OK [Enter] to exit the BIOS.
- Plug in your prepared USB flash drive into the ROG Ally.
- Restart your device once more.
- As soon as the ROG logo appears, hold down the Volume Up button to enter the BIOS again.
- Select UEFI: USB, Partition 1 (USB) to boot from the USB drive.
- Once in the desktop setup, double-tap the icon labeled Wipe Device & Install SteamOS.
- A warning will appear, confirming that this process will erase everything on the device. If you’re ready, select Proceed.
- Allow the ROG Ally to complete the reimaging process, which may take a few minutes.
- After completion, select Proceed to restart the device.
- Remove the USB stick from the ROG Ally.
- Wait for SteamOS to install, and once finished, set up your Steam account.
- Finally, check for updates to ensure your system is running smoothly.
With SteamOS now installed, the ROG Ally and Legion Go can truly shine, offering a seamless gaming experience that rivals even the Steam Deck. The transition from Windows to SteamOS not only enhances performance but also elevates visual fidelity, making your gaming handheld feel like a brand new device.
How to Install SteamOS on Legion Go
For those with a Lenovo Legion Go, the installation process is quite similar:
- Begin by plugging your USB flash drive into your computer and downloading the SteamOS reimage files.
- Right-click the SteamOS image files in your Downloads folder and select Extract All.
- Download Rufus from its official website.
- Open Rufus, select the SteamOS reimage files, and click Start to create your bootable USB.
- After the process, remove the USB from your computer.
- Power off your Legion Go completely.
- Hold the Up Volume + Power buttons to enter the BIOS.
- Tap BIOS Setup and select Novo Button Menu.
- Navigate to More settings and select Security, changing Secure Boot to Disabled.
- Exit and save changes, then plug your USB into the Legion Go.
- Enter BIOS again and select the USB stick to boot the SteamOS reimage files.
- Double-tap on Wipe Device & Install SteamOS and confirm by selecting Proceed.
- Wait for the reimaging process to finish, and then set up SteamOS and log into your account.
- Finally, check for updates to ensure everything is up to date.
With SteamOS now running on your Legion Go, you can enjoy a revitalized gaming experience, fully optimized for your handheld device.
Breathe New Life into Your Windows Handheld
The ASUS ROG Ally, Ally X, and Lenovo Legion Go have always boasted powerful hardware, but the transition to SteamOS allows users to experience the best of both worlds. Having used my ROG Ally with SteamOS for a day, I can confidently say that games run smoother and look better than ever. Enjoy your gaming adventures with this new operating system!
