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"What else were Steam Deck users to do but create their own solutions?": I watched Valve's Linux-first handheld turn into a Windows 11 experiment in its community
Winsage
April 12, 2026

“What else were Steam Deck users to do but create their own solutions?”: I watched Valve’s Linux-first handheld turn into a Windows 11 experiment in its community

Valve's Steam Deck was released on February 25, 2022, and received positive reviews for its custom Linux operating system, SteamOS. Initially competing with the Nintendo Switch, it now faces competition from new handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go, which run Windows 11. Although not originally designed for Windows 11, users found ways to install it, leading Valve to release official drivers for easier installation. Running Windows 11 on the Steam Deck allows access to Xbox Game Pass and other game launchers, but it introduces challenges like performance issues due to additional telemetry and bloat. A community on Reddit, r/WindowsOnDeck, has formed to support users dual-booting Windows and SteamOS, providing resources and guides. Despite the challenges, the Steam Deck has become an unexpected Windows gaming handheld, sustained by community enthusiasm.
How the Steam Deck became an unlikely Windows 11 handheld — and the community making it work
Winsage
April 12, 2026

How the Steam Deck became an unlikely Windows 11 handheld — and the community making it work

The Steam Deck was released on February 25, 2022, and received a five-star review for its design. It initially ran on SteamOS, a custom Linux version, which introduced many gamers to Linux. The device faced competition from the Nintendo Switch, but as its popularity grew, other manufacturers began releasing their own PC handhelds with Windows 11. Windows 11 offers better game compatibility and access to various platforms, leading some Steam Deck users to seek ways to install it on their devices. Although not originally designed for Windows, early adopters found methods to install it, prompting Valve to release an official Windows driver package. With Windows 11, users gained access to features like anti-cheat support and compatibility with multiple game launchers, though challenges remained. A community on Reddit, r/WindowsOnDeck, emerged to support users dual-booting Windows and SteamOS, providing guides and troubleshooting assistance. Despite the challenges, the Steam Deck has become a notable option for Windows gaming handhelds, aided by community efforts.
This new Steam feature could soon make buying games a lot easier — and it’ll be a great addition for the Steam Machine and custom PCs
AppWizard
April 9, 2026

This new Steam feature could soon make buying games a lot easier — and it’ll be a great addition for the Steam Machine and custom PCs

Valve is developing a feature called the 'Framerate Estimator' for the Steam Client, which aims to provide users with a projected frame rate based on the performance of a game as experienced by other Steam users. This tool will benefit users on SteamOS, Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go S, and other handheld devices, as well as desktop PC owners using SteamOS or Windows. It will help users make informed decisions about game purchases and assess how games might run on their specific hardware configurations.
Intel's first CPU with an integrated Nvidia GPU to be called Serpent Lake, suggests leak
AppWizard
April 8, 2026

Intel’s first CPU with an integrated Nvidia GPU to be called Serpent Lake, suggests leak

Intel is developing a new CPU codenamed Serpent Lake, which is expected to integrate Nvidia graphics technology directly into standard CPUs for gaming laptops, handheld devices, and compact PCs. This follows a strategic alliance between Intel and Nvidia aimed at enhancing CPU capabilities. Serpent Lake is anticipated to be a variant of Intel's Titan Lake design and is considered a distinct branch of the Titan architecture. The name "Serpent Lake" emerged from discussions on social media, particularly from user @jaykihn0. Details about the internal specifications of Serpent Lake, including the GPU architecture and CPU core design, are still unclear, but it is projected to debut around 2028. The focus of these CPUs may be on mobile and compact devices rather than traditional desktop gaming setups.
Xbox Game Pass additions for April include Hades 2 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
AppWizard
April 8, 2026

Xbox Game Pass additions for April include Hades 2 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare

Xbox is adding several titles to its Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass offerings in April. Key dates and titles include: - April 7: Final Fantasy IV - April 8: DayZ, Endless Legend 2, FBC: Firebreak, Warhammer Vermintide 2 - April 9: Planet Coaster 2 - April 10: Tiny Bookshop - April 13: Football Manager 26, Football Manager 26 Console - April 14: Hades 2, Replaced, The Thaumaturge - April 16: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, EA Sports NHL 26 - April 17: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare - April 21: Little Rocket Lab, Sopa: Tale of the Stolen Potato, Vampire Crawlers - April 23: Kiln On April 15, the following titles will be removed from Game Pass: Grand Theft Auto V, Ashen, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Mystery, and Terra Invicta.
Linux gaming reaches 5.3% on Steam, Windows drops below 93%
Winsage
April 6, 2026

Linux gaming reaches 5.3% on Steam, Windows drops below 93%

The Linux gaming market share among Steam users has reached 5.3%, a historic high, coinciding with Windows usage dropping below 93%. Windows 10 usage has decreased by nearly 15%, while Windows 11 has gained only 10.6%. SteamOS Holo 64-bit is the leading Linux distribution, making up 25% of all Linux users, largely due to the popularity of the Steam Deck. macOS has gained 1.2% market share, indicating a shift in gaming preferences. Valve announced plans to expand SteamOS to desktop PCs, which may further boost Linux gaming adoption.
$1,700 liquid-cooled phone can run GTA V at up to 100 FPS, Red Dead 2 at 50+ FPS via emulation — Redmagic 11 Pro packs 24 GB of RAM and pulls more than 40W at peak load
AppWizard
April 5, 2026

$1,700 liquid-cooled phone can run GTA V at up to 100 FPS, Red Dead 2 at 50+ FPS via emulation — Redmagic 11 Pro packs 24 GB of RAM and pulls more than 40W at peak load

PC emulation on Android has advanced significantly, with devices like the Redmagic 11 Pro Golden Saga Edition outperforming the Steam Deck in running AAA PC games. The GameHub emulator translates x86 code into ARM architecture and is integrated into Redmagic devices, allowing seamless game play and save file synchronization with Steam. The Golden Saga Edition features 24 GB of RAM, enhanced cooling systems, and shares specifications with the standard model, including the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip and a 6.9-inch OLED display. It is priced at approximately ,700 and must be imported to the U.S. The device targets performance enthusiasts who value cutting-edge technology.
With Humble Choice at almost half price, you can now get 8 Steam Deck-friendly games for just $1 each
AppWizard
April 4, 2026

With Humble Choice at almost half price, you can now get 8 Steam Deck-friendly games for just $1 each

Humble Bundle is offering a promotion for its Humble Choice subscription, allowing subscribers to acquire eight games for a significantly reduced fee. The lineup includes titles such as Tempest Rising and Chants of Sennaar. Tempest Rising is noted for its real-time strategy gameplay reminiscent of Command & Conquer, receiving an 8/10 review score. The subscription is priced at a discounted rate, and subscribers will have indefinite access to the games. The promotional code MARCH26 can be used at checkout, and the offer expires on April 7th.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (PC) Review - Kojima’s Masterpiece Gets a Stellar Port
AppWizard
March 31, 2026

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (PC) Review – Kojima’s Masterpiece Gets a Stellar Port

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a sequel that takes place approximately 11 months after the first game, featuring Sam Porter Bridges on a mission to connect the Chiral Network in Mexico and Australia. The game includes familiar characters and has improved traversal mechanics, with a quicker story pace and more low-level enemies. Nixxes has adapted the game for PC, introducing a new hardcore difficulty setting called “Into the Wilder,” and ensuring it runs well across various hardware configurations. The game offers extensive customization options for graphics and controls, performing well on devices like the Steam Deck and ROG handheld. It has received acclaim for its visuals and gameplay, although some players find the plot and pacing inconsistent.
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