Windows games

AppWizard
July 21, 2025
PC gaming has experienced a notable shift due to the rise of Linux, particularly with the introduction of Valve's Steam Deck in mid-2021. The Steam Deck, built on a Linux foundation and utilizing Valve's Proton compatibility layer, has broadened the compatibility of games on Linux, allowing users to enjoy titles without dual-booting systems. This device has popularized handheld PC gaming, prompting other manufacturers to create similar devices. The Steam Deck's modest hardware has led to a trend of optimization among developers, resulting in better performance on lower-end systems. Valve's SteamOS has improved the user interface for both Linux and Windows users, making PC gaming more accessible. However, a significant challenge remains with anti-cheat software, which is difficult to implement across various Linux distributions. Despite this, the state of Linux gaming is strong for single-player experiences, and Valve is exploring solutions to enhance competitive gaming on Linux.
Winsage
July 1, 2025
The Linux operating system faces challenges in gaming, particularly with triple-A titles, as many prominent developers do not support it, resulting in a limited selection compared to Windows. Approximately 70 percent of triple-A games available on Windows can be played on Linux, according to ProtonDB. However, some major titles, like Fortnite, are not natively playable on Linux and require cloud gaming services for access. Compatibility issues with anti-cheat software, such as Epic's Easy Anti-Cheat, hinder the expansion of the Linux gaming library. There are potential developments from Microsoft regarding kernel-level anti-cheat software, but no concrete solutions have emerged. Performance on Linux can vary, with some players experiencing drops while others report better performance than on Windows. Additionally, Linux has a steeper learning curve, often requiring command-line interface engagement for software installation and configuration.
BetaBeacon
June 28, 2025
Clamshell handheld gaming devices like the Anbernic RG34XXSP have become popular due to their unique form factor and affordable prices. These devices run on custom builds of Linux and offer a variety of games up to N64 and Dreamcast. The RG34XXSP features dual sticks for better control and is portable enough to be carried in a pocket without the need for a case or screen protector. These retro handhelds are easy to recommend due to their low cost and variety of form factors.
AppWizard
June 28, 2025
Linux has evolved significantly in the gaming sector, becoming a credible alternative to Microsoft for PC gaming, aided by tools like Proton and a dedicated community. However, challenges remain, such as compatibility issues and a lack of native Linux game versions. The introduction of DirectX by Microsoft solidified Windows as the primary gaming platform, creating a focus on Windows that disadvantages Linux. Proton allows many Windows games to run on Linux but does not create native versions, and essential software for graphics cards is often missing. Currently, Windows holds over a 95% share in the Steam hardware survey, while Linux accounts for only 2.69%. Despite progress, Linux still faces a long journey to become a mainstream gaming platform.
Winsage
June 10, 2025
Arm-powered Windows devices using Qualcomm Snapdragon processors are noted for their sleek designs and long battery life. While core compatibility issues have been largely resolved, gaming remains a challenge due to anti-cheat program compatibility, which can prevent games from launching. Chris Bergey from Arm Holdings mentioned that most users spend about 90% of their time on applications with native Arm versions. Major developers like Epic Games are exploring ways to improve compatibility with Arm-based systems. Additionally, anti-cheat issues affect the Steam Deck, which operates on an AMD processor but lacks native versions of several popular anti-cheat systems. As Arm-based Windows devices gain market share, game developers are expected to prioritize support for these platforms. The integration of Windows and Steam into Arm-based handheld devices could transform the gaming landscape, especially with improved battery life and efficiency.
Winsage
June 9, 2025
Valve's Steam Deck and SteamOS primarily support Windows games compatible with the Proton compatibility layer and some native Linux titles. Microsoft and Asus have collaborated on the ROG Xbox Ally, which features a new Xbox-branded interface designed to improve compatibility for PC gamers while resembling SteamOS. This interface will debut on the ROG Xbox Ally and is planned for broader release on other handheld devices next year. Microsoft has been developing a handheld-optimized user interface for Windows since at least 2022, identified during an internal hackathon. The proposed "Windows Handheld Mode" includes a tile-based UI similar to the Xbox interface and aims to enhance touch screen usability. The ROG Xbox Ally's full-screen interface replaces the traditional Windows desktop, conserving RAM and optimizing energy consumption compared to standard Windows devices like the regular ROG Ally, which require additional software to function similarly to SteamOS.
Winsage
June 9, 2025
Microsoft has announced its entry into the handheld gaming market with the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, developed in collaboration with Asus. The devices support native gaming and cloud streaming. Key features include a larger battery, ergonomic grips, a dedicated Xbox button, and an optimized operating system that reduces Windows 11's idle power consumption by about two-thirds, enhancing battery life and freeing up to 2GB of RAM for gaming performance. Exclusive Windows 11 features will initially be available only on these devices, with plans to extend them to standard ROG Allys by late 2025 and to other handheld gaming PCs in 2026. Specifications: - ROG Xbox Ally: AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 1080p 7” touchscreen, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD (upgradeable), 60Wh battery, 670g weight. - ROG Xbox Ally X: AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 1080p 7” touchscreen, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD (upgradeable), 80Wh battery, 715g weight. Both devices can run Windows games from platforms like Xbox, Battle.net, GoG, Ubisoft Connect, and Steam. They are expected to launch during the Holiday season of 2025 in markets including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the US.
Winsage
June 9, 2025
Microsoft has unveiled the Asus ROG Xbox Ally hardware line, a Windows-powered handheld gaming device. The Xbox Ally devices run on Windows 11 and provide access to a wide range of games from Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, Steam, Epic Games Store, and Ubisoft Connect through an aggregated gaming library. This library simplifies access to games across different platforms and aims to improve user experience compared to SteamOS devices. The Xbox Ally supports applications like Discord and Twitch and allows for downloadable game mods. It features a unique "Xbox Experience for Handheld" interface that hides the Windows desktop to enhance gaming focus and performance. A dedicated Xbox button offers quick access to the Xbox Game Bar overlay for settings and performance monitoring. Microsoft is also creating a program to identify Windows titles optimized for handheld gaming.
BetaBeacon
May 28, 2025
Chinese manufacturers are developing Windows emulators for Android gaming, with RedMagic set to launch a gaming-focused Android smartphone with a pre-installed Windows emulator for playing PC games. Xiaomi is also developing a Windows-to-Android emulator called WinPlay Engine, which supports Steam and minimizes GPU performance loss. These emulators could potentially compete with WinLator and support controllers, mice, and keyboards for gameplay.
Winsage
May 28, 2025
If you're transitioning to Linux and need to run Windows applications, you have several options, including dual-booting, using a virtual machine (VM), or employing a compatibility layer like WINE. For virtualization, VirtualBox is a popular open-source choice, while VMware is another option that has been free since late 2024. Both require a Windows ISO, which can be obtained for free from Microsoft. VirtualBox suggests allocating 2GB of RAM and one processor core, but 8GB of RAM and two cores are recommended for better performance. Running a VM requires significant resources, and a valid Windows license is necessary for the guest OS. Dual-booting allows both Windows and Linux to run natively, providing full hardware access and optimal performance. WINE translates Windows application calls into Linux commands and is included in most Linux distributions. Its effectiveness varies by application. Bottles is a user-friendly wrapper around WINE that simplifies installation. For enhanced compatibility, CodeWeavers CrossOver is a premium alternative to WINE, with a free evaluation version available. For gaming, Lutris and Valve’s Proton are tools that facilitate running Windows games on Linux.
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