The fighting game community has long desired a shift from consoles to PCs for major tournaments, but this change has not yet occurred on a large scale. Valve recently introduced its Steam Machine systems, which may encourage tournament organizers to adopt PCs. The PlayStation 5 has been the dominant console in competitive gaming for five years, but players have reported issues such as overheating and input lag. While many competitors use PCs for personal setups due to advantages like reduced lag, barriers to widespread adoption remain, including hardware consistency challenges. The Steam Machine features a uniform hardware experience with an AMD 6-core Zen 4 CPU, AMD RDNA3 GPU, and 16GB of DDR5 RAM, but concerns exist about its performance compared to the PlayStation 5. Additionally, the higher cost of gaming PCs and logistical challenges in acquiring multiple systems for events complicate the transition. Despite the potential of the Steam Machine, the PlayStation brand is expected to remain prevalent in the competitive scene for the foreseeable future.
Steam is a leading online gaming storefront that offers a user-friendly interface, seasonal deals, and the ability to connect with friends while streaming games. The author began using Steam in 2011, purchasing titles like the Stronghold Collection, Terraria, and Skyrim, and has accumulated over 5,000 hours of gameplay across more than 300 games. Initially, the author primarily used Windows for gaming due to compatibility issues with Linux, but the introduction of Proton has allowed access to most of their Steam library on Linux. Valve, the company behind Steam, has developed iconic games like Portal and DOTA 2, supported indie developers, and contributed to gaming technology advancements. The launch of the Steam Deck has further enhanced Linux gaming support.
Epic Games and Qualcomm have announced a partnership to enhance Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) support for Snapdragon X-powered PCs later this year. Fortnite will be the first game to implement this support. Epic Games will provide developers with an Epic Online Services SDK to help integrate EAC compatibility into their titles. The collaboration aims to improve the gaming experience on Snapdragon X, addressing challenges related to anticheat software.
Windows has dominated the PC gaming landscape for decades, but the Steam Deck's introduction by Valve, which runs on Linux, has prompted a shift. Bazzite is a solution that replicates the Steam OS experience on any PC, offering an alternative to Windows for gamers. It provides better privacy by eliminating mandatory Microsoft accounts and intrusive ads. Bazzite supports most modern PC games through Proton, allowing many titles to run effectively, and some games may even perform better on Bazzite, especially those using Vulkan. It also facilitates retro gaming through EmuDeck, simplifying setup for various platforms. Bazzite is designed for controller-based gaming, allowing users to navigate games comfortably without needing a keyboard and mouse.
A game analyst predicts that the high-end console market may not support both PlayStation and Xbox, suggesting a possible exit for Xbox. However, the relevance of console exclusives is diminishing as PlayStation expands to platforms like Steam, and Valve allows manufacturers to create consoles based on its operating system. Xbox is likely to increase its device variety, with Microsoft appointing Roanne Sones to lead its hardware ecosystem. Under her leadership, Xbox is expanding beyond traditional consoles, showcasing devices like the ASUS ROG Ally handheld gaming PC and mobile controllers. The upcoming CES 2025 will feature discussions on enhancing Windows for gaming handhelds. Both Xbox and PlayStation rely on x86 AMD architecture, and the industry is exploring monetization strategies amid rising costs and stagnant user growth. Microsoft aims to align Xbox more closely with Windows for easier game deployment and potential integration of third-party stores. There is speculation about eliminating the paywall for premium multiplayer gaming in the next generation. Successful execution of this vision is uncertain, as Microsoft must navigate regional marketing and distribution complexities while ensuring a smooth gaming experience and backward compatibility.
A Linux gaming PC has been created by Eta Prime, resembling the size of a Wii and featuring a console-like interface similar to the Steam Deck. It includes an Intel i7 processor and an AMD Radeon RX 6400 graphics card, fitted into a Lenovo ThinkCentre M920q chassis. The build incorporates 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 1TB M.2 SSD, and runs on the Bazzite distro operating system, which allows direct booting into Steam Gaming Mode. Performance tests showed the system running Left 4 Dead 2 at 1440p with 120fps, Street Fighter 6 at 1080p with 60fps, Elden Ring at 1080p low settings near 60fps, Doom Eternal exceeding 100fps at 1080p, and Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p low settings averaging around 56fps.
Bazzite is a Linux-based operating system designed for Windows gaming handhelds, offering a user experience similar to SteamOS. It is built on Fedora and features a console-centric design, allowing for smooth controller navigation and stable performance. Bazzite includes specific enhancements for the Asus ROG Ally, such as TDP modes and lighting options. The latest version has resolved initial issues with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support, allowing for low frame-rate compensation. Game performance on Bazzite is generally positive, with some titles experiencing a performance penalty compared to Windows. Bazzite mitigates shader compilation stutters better than Windows and offers slightly improved battery life. The installation process requires partitioning internal storage and is comparable in complexity to installing Windows on the Steam Deck. Users can dual-boot between Bazzite and Windows. Overall, Bazzite enhances the gaming experience on the ROG Ally, despite some trade-offs in performance and compatibility.
The Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck have successfully integrated AAA gaming into portable devices, posing challenges for other companies entering the handheld market, particularly those using Microsoft’s Windows operating system. Many manufacturers, such as Asus and MSI, are opting for Windows due to a lack of resources to develop custom operating systems, despite its drawbacks. These companies face limitations when licensing Windows, as they cannot fundamentally alter its operation, leading to issues like intrusive low battery notifications. Microsoft requires certain software to be included with Windows licenses, which may not be suitable for gaming devices. In late 2023, Microsoft introduced a preview of its Xbox app with a Compact Mode for gaming handhelds, aimed at improving user experience, but it currently only supports games purchased through Microsoft. There are rumors that Microsoft may consider developing its own gaming handheld, which could impact existing manufacturers.
Windows 11 may not be the optimal operating system for PC gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally, leading to a demand for SteamOS adaptations. Valve is likely to extend support to the Asus ROG Ally, which could enhance user experience.
SteamOS may outperform Windows on handheld devices due to better performance, as Linux-based systems often deliver superior performance compared to Windows. Windows' complexity and unnecessary components can detract from performance and efficiency, while SteamOS is expected to provide better battery life.
Windows 11 has limited performance settings, whereas SteamOS offers fine-tuned controls for TDP settings and frame rate limiters, allowing for optimized power usage. Additionally, SteamOS features a user-friendly interface designed for handheld gaming, unlike the cumbersome experience of Windows.
However, challenges remain, such as potential compatibility issues with games and the daunting process of installing a new operating system. Despite these hurdles, the benefits of SteamOS suggest a positive direction for handheld gaming.
