Exciting developments are unfolding in the gaming world as a new script has found its way into the master branch of Valve’s SteamOS Gamescope compositor on GitHub. This script is specially designed to fine-tune the display settings for Asus ROG Ally and ROG Ally X, unlocking the full potential of their 48-120 Hz Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) capabilities. For gaming enthusiasts, this isn’t just another tech update; it signifies a broader release of SteamOS for a variety of PCs, in line with past hints from Valve about expanding its reach to more handheld devices. Importantly, VRR is a standout feature for these Asus gaming handhelds.
Now, if the concept of Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) is new to you, it’s essentially about making gameplay visually smooth by syncing the display’s refresh rate with the game’s frame rate. You’ve might have come across terms like G-Sync from Nvidia or FreeSync from AMD, which are different versions of this technology. This sync ensures that bothersome screen tearing is diminished, giving a more fluid gameplay experience. While most displays restrict VRR to around 40 Hz, the Asus ROG Ally handhelds offer a broader spectrum, which is impressive given the challenges of hitting 120 Hz on portable devices.
This latest addition isn’t an isolated update from Valve; it’s part of a series of preparations hinting at bigger plans for SteamOS on the ROG Ally. Back in August, a SteamOS input layer update saw the light, accommodating the button configurations for Asus ROG Ally and ROG Ally X. This came eight months on the heels of Valve’s earlier indication of their focus on handhelds for a more expansive SteamOS rollout. However, given Valve’s reputation for unpredictable timelines—coined as Valve Time—it’s hard to tell exactly when they will launch a full-fledged release. But with community-driven efforts like Bazzite and HoloISO already providing basic ports of SteamOS 3, Valve isn’t pressured to rush.
Interestingly, this update sheds light on the VRR gap for Valve’s own Steam Deck devices. Even models like the Steam Deck OLED, which boasts HDR support up to 1000 nits, lack VRR functionality. With VRR now interwoven into SteamOS’s Gamescope compositor for both external and competing internal displays, there’s a growing hope that Valve might embrace VRR in a future Steam Deck 2—a leap many gaming aficionados are eagerly anticipating.
