SteamOS Archives

AppWizard

September 6, 2026

I’ve Been Gaming On Linux For Five Years – Is It Ready To Replace Windows?

Steam Deck debuted in early 2022 with SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system that uses the Wine-based Proton compatibility layer to run Windows games. This development has significantly advanced Linux gaming, with approximately 95% of games functioning well on Linux. Steam's Verified program lists nearly 9,000 Verified games, and around 30,000 playable titles, with only about 1% of popular games failing to run entirely. Anti-cheat systems remain a major limitation, preventing popular titles like "Fortnite" and "League of Legends" from being playable on Linux. Game streaming services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW offer alternatives for playing anti-cheat games on Linux. Linux distributions provide better controller support compared to Windows, particularly for handhelds and living room PCs. Accessing non-Steam games can be cumbersome, though tools like Heroic Launcher help. Compatibility issues with proprietary standards, such as HDMI 2.1 support, persist in Linux gaming.

Winsage

September 5, 2026

Valve’s Steam Machine Proves a Capable Windows PC, But 128GB RAM Upgrade Offers Little Value

Valve's Steam Machine has been tested for its versatility beyond gaming, with two notable upgrades: installing 128GB of RAM and converting it to run Windows 11. The 128GB RAM upgrade involved installing a 2x64GB SO-DIMM kit, which required extensive BIOS adjustments and presented challenges such as system instability and difficult access to RAM slots. Despite the technical success, performance improvements in gaming were minimal, as most applications do not utilize that much memory, making the upgrade cost-prohibitive. In contrast, converting the Steam Machine to Windows 11 was more straightforward. The process involved creating bootable USB drives and navigating BIOS settings. Once installed, the Steam Machine performed well as a Windows PC, with productivity tasks showing better efficiency than other portable devices. Benchmark tests indicated slight performance drops compared to SteamOS, but real-world usage, such as video editing, proved effective. Overall, the Steam Machine is capable of functioning beyond its intended purpose, but users should consider practical memory configurations and the limitations of dual-boot support when choosing how to optimize the device.

Winsage

August 29, 2026

Install Windows 11 on Steam Deck OLED: 12 Steps [2026]

The Steam Deck OLED has limitations in running certain Windows applications and games, particularly those with kernel-level anti-cheat systems. Valve has provided an official Windows driver bundle for the OLED model since 2024, and by 2026, a community-developed process for dual-booting Windows 11 alongside SteamOS has emerged. Running Windows 11 may be necessary for games that do not perform well on SteamOS, especially competitive titles. The Steam Deck OLED requires specific prerequisites for dual-booting, including a fully charged device, updated SteamOS, sufficient free storage, a Windows 11 license, and a USB flash drive for installation. Users must follow a detailed installation process that includes updating SteamOS, creating a recovery drive, downloading Windows 11, and configuring the system for dual-booting. Common pitfalls include skipping the recovery drive and under-allocating storage for Windows. Battery life on Windows is shorter than on SteamOS, and users should be aware of this when deciding to dual-boot. The dual-boot setup does not void the warranty, and it is possible to revert to a SteamOS-only setup later.

AppWizard

August 21, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons II gets a brand new gameplay trailer

Minecraft Dungeons II is set to be released on September 29, 2026, featuring new gameplay elements, weapons, and enemies. It introduces a new dimension called the Sift, where players can customize their loadout and face unique challenges. Pre-ordering the game offers exclusive rewards such as the Twisted cape, a Twisted Chicken pet, and two unique hero skins. The original game has an "Unsupported" rating from Valve for the Steam Deck and Steam Machine, despite reports of compatibility, and there are hopes for a re-evaluation of these ratings for both the original and the upcoming game.

AppWizard

August 21, 2026

New Steam Deck plugin makes it easier to install PC mods for games like Cyberpunk 2077, Skyrim, and more

PC Guide operates on a reader-supported model, earning affiliate commissions from purchases made through links on their platform. The Decky-Nexus plugin, developed by RedRanger14, allows Steam Deck users to browse, download, install, and manage Nexus Mods for supported games directly from Gaming Mode. Currently, it supports nine titles: Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, Fallout 4, Fallout: New Vegas, Resident Evil 4, Skyrim Special Edition, Slay the Spire 2, Stardew Valley, and The Witcher 3. Future updates aim to add Fallout 3, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, and Palworld. Decky-Nexus manages mod installations, including mod folders, Proton prefixes, and mod loader profiles, and allows users to install mod collections and navigate FOMOD installers. It includes a Health section for reviewing game logs and monitoring installed mods and downloads. Users need Decky Loader and a Nexus Mods Premium account, and the supported game must be installed via Steam. Installation of Decky-Nexus requires switching to Desktop Mode, as automatic installation is not yet available. The plugin is labeled as an unofficial beta and has been tested on real hardware, though users are advised to back up save files due to potential issues. Future features will include manual load-order editing and compatibility with additional mod tools.

AppWizard

August 16, 2026

Epic Games Store to get an official Linux version, which could mean a native app for Steam Deck and Machine

Epic Games is developing a Linux version of its storefront for the Epic Games Store, as revealed by an Epic staff member during an AMA session. This development aims to streamline access for gamers using devices like the Steam Deck, who currently rely on third-party launchers. However, there is no confirmed timeline for its release, and it remains unclear if individual games, including Fortnite, will be available on SteamOS or if anti-cheat support will be included. Additionally, a job listing from June indicates that Epic is looking for a candidate to develop a Linux-friendly anti-cheat solution related to its Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC).

AppWizard

August 16, 2026

Epic Games Store is going to support Linux ‘soon’ — and that’s great news for Steam Deck owners

Epic Games is developing a native version of its launcher for Linux users, coinciding with Nvidia's GeForce Now streaming service now officially available on Linux. This will simplify access to the Epic Games Store for Steam Deck owners and other Linux gamers, eliminating the need for third-party applications. Specific supported Linux distributions are unconfirmed, but SteamOS is anticipated to be included. Limitations will exist, particularly for titles with anti-cheat mechanisms, such as Fortnite, which Epic has blocked on Linux due to cheating concerns. GOG is also porting its Galaxy client to Linux, enhancing options for Linux gamers.

AppWizard

August 14, 2026

The Epic Games Launcher will be available on Linux ‘soon’ says dev, after it’s had a bit of work

Linux gaming is gaining momentum, with 2026 expected to be a pivotal year for broader audience engagement. The Epic Games Store is considering Linux support, as indicated by a developer's emoji tease, which has generated excitement among gamers. Discontent with Windows 11 is driving gamers to explore Linux alternatives. Valve is enhancing handheld support for its Linux-based SteamOS, particularly with the popular Steam Deck. GOG Galaxy is set to launch a Linux version, and the Heroic Games Launcher currently provides access to the Epic Games Store and GOG on Linux. Anticipated advancements from both GOG and Epic promise a wider array of choices for Linux gamers.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Xodus Cracks Xbox Authentication and Game Package Decryption to Bring PC Game Pass to Linux

Developers of the Heroic Games Launcher have announced Xodus, an open-source project aimed at enabling access to PC Game Pass on Linux and macOS. Launched on August 10, 2026, Xodus has successfully addressed Xbox identity authentication and the decryption of MSIXVC packages, allowing local play of Game Pass titles for Linux and macOS users. Currently, the only way to access Game Pass on non-Windows devices is through Xbox Cloud Gaming, which requires a Game Pass Ultimate subscription and introduces latency. Xodus employs a layered architecture, including an Xbox Authentication Library (xal-rs) for managing Microsoft account sign-ins and license verification, and a reimplementation of the xgameruntime.dll for license checks and Xbox service access. The project can retrieve MSIXVC game packages using a valid Game Pass subscription and decrypt executables for local storage. However, it does not yet support UWP-based titles and lacks a user-friendly interface for general users. The project is under pressure due to Microsoft's upcoming transition to the MSIXVC2 package format, which Xodus does not currently support. Xodus is in early development with only a command-line interface available, and the team is working on emulating the GDK Gaming Services layer necessary for game initialization. The project is legal as it reimplements Xbox runtime behavior without enabling piracy, but it faces risks if Microsoft alters its authentication infrastructure.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Unreleased mystery Mini PC with SteamOS and built-in display tested in AAA games

ETA Prime is a YouTube channel focused on technology and gaming, offering content such as hardware reviews, how-to guides, and performance tests. The channel features an approachable host who simplifies complex topics, making technology accessible. It has built a community of tech enthusiasts who engage in discussions and share experiences. ETA Prime also covers emerging trends and industry developments, positioning itself as a trusted source in the tech community. The channel aims to adapt and grow with advancing technology while maintaining high-quality content.