Every review of a Windows PC gaming handheld inevitably highlights the limitations of Microsoft’s operating system. However, the prospect of running Steam OS on devices like the widely popular Asus ROG Ally has sparked excitement among gamers. Valve has hinted at expanding its OS to other handhelds, but for those eager to dive in now, there’s a free alternative available: Bazzite. This Linux-based solution offers builds similar to SteamOS, designed specifically for popular Windows handhelds, combining the user-friendly experience of the Steam Deck with the robust performance of AMD’s latest mobile chips.
Performance and User Experience
My initial impressions of Bazzite are overwhelmingly positive. It closely resembles the experience of running SteamOS natively on the ROG Ally, featuring an interface that is not only familiar but also impressively responsive and polished. The console-centric design allows for smooth controller navigation, and the suspend/resume functionality operates seamlessly—an area where Windows often falters. Stability is commendable, matching that of SteamOS on my Decks.
For those unfamiliar with SteamOS, envision an operating system that places Steam’s Big Picture mode front and center. Bazzite is built on Fedora, diverging from the Arch Linux foundation of SteamOS, yet in everyday use, the differences are nearly imperceptible. The interface is so similar that it’s easier to list the distinctions than the similarities. One notable addition is a new menu tailored for ROG Ally-specific features, such as various TDP modes and lighting options, which can be accessed with a simple button press—an improvement over Asus’ own Armoury Crate app on Windows.
While I could detail specific areas where minor bugs persist, the Universal Blue team, creators of Bazzite, has made significant strides in addressing these since I began testing in August. Some quirks remain, such as slightly slower menu responses and audio slider issues, but overall, Bazzite’s performance is comparable to SteamOS on the Steam Deck.
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support has been a concern since I started using Bazzite. Initially, the ROG Ally’s VRR feature was non-functional, but a September update rectified this, albeit without low frame-rate compensation. Fortunately, the latest Bazzite build has resolved this issue, allowing the Ally to utilize low frame-rate compensation with VRR on its internal display, best experienced at 120Hz. The unified frame-rate slider now offers the flexibility to adjust down to 10fps, enhancing the gaming experience.
However, a notable caveat is that the frame-rate capping system does not function with VRR. Entering refresh-rate multiple frame-rate caps results in VRR content running unrestricted, potentially exceeding the intended cap. The Universal Blue team is aware of this and plans an update to address it by adjusting the refresh rate to the desired frame-rate with VRR enabled.
Ultimately, Bazzite proves to be effective, stable, and feature-rich on the ROG Ally. The primary concern remains whether running Windows games on Linux incurs performance reductions or compatibility issues. Fortunately, my experience with game performance on the ROG Ally has been largely positive, with frame rates meeting expectations, aside from typical SteamOS challenges like anti-cheat compatibility. Game compatibility is solid, and the built-in controller functions well, including rumble support.
When comparing games running on Bazzite to those on Windows, the results are similar enough that distinguishing between the two during gameplay can be challenging. However, there are exceptions; some titles, such as Dead Space and Sniper Elite 5, exhibited a 22 percent performance penalty on Bazzite. This discrepancy may stem from the DirectX translation available through Proton, which could hinder performance compared to SteamOS-specific optimizations.
One advantage Bazzite holds over Windows is its mitigation of shader compilation stutters. For instance, loading Final Fantasy 7 Remake on Windows results in significant stutters due to shader compilation, an issue that persists years after release. In contrast, while some dropped frames occur on Bazzite, the major stutters are eliminated. Valve’s Fossilize program precompiles Vulkan shaders, ensuring a smoother experience without requiring prior hardware-specific configurations.
Battery life testing revealed results comparable to Windows, with a slight edge for Bazzite. Users can expect a few extra minutes in silent TDP mode and a more substantial six-minute gain in high-performance turbo mode. However, Bazzite’s performance tends to decline sharply as battery levels drop into the single digits, while Windows maintains more consistent performance. A workaround involves putting the Ally to sleep and waking it up, which seems to alleviate the issue. Overall, the differences between Bazzite and Windows are minimal, although the Steam Deck OLED still outperforms the Ally in battery life.
So, why choose the ROG Ally despite the Steam Deck’s superior battery life? The Ally offers enhanced performance, particularly in turbo mode, and features a more comfortable controller layout for certain game genres. Its 120Hz screen with VRR support further enhances the gaming experience, especially for game streaming, which has become increasingly popular. The Moonlight streaming software can deliver games to the Ally at an impressive 120fps, with minimal dropouts, and Bazzite improves this experience by eliminating some of the frame-pacing issues observed in Windows.
The installation process for Bazzite is manageable, though it requires partitioning internal storage. My ROG Ally’s 512GB SSD proved insufficient, prompting me to upgrade to a 2TB M2-2230 SSD. While the installation itself is straightforward, challenges arose during the physical installation, particularly when separating the device’s shell and dealing with a tightly secured SSD screw. After successfully installing the new SSD, the cloud recovery system provided a fresh Windows install without issue.
While I won’t delve into every detail of the Bazzite installation process, it is comparable in complexity to installing Windows on the Steam Deck. I recommend ROG Ally users check out RetroGameCorp’s video for a hands-on guide, along with resources available on the Bazzite website. The installation involves partitioning the internal drive, downloading the Bazzite image, flashing it onto a USB drive, and navigating the BIOS to complete the OS installation. Although the process includes some waiting, I encountered no significant issues, though others have reported challenges.
After installation, switching back to Windows is simple, allowing users to retain their options. Bazzite enhances the ROG Ally experience without removing existing functionalities, and users can still boot into Windows by adjusting BIOS settings.
My key takeaway from this experience is that Windows is not ideally suited for devices like the ROG Ally. Microsoft has largely neglected the mass-market Windows tablet since the days of Windows 8, making the attempt to run Windows 11 on a handheld device a frustrating endeavor. The software accommodations from Microsoft are minimal, often leading to cumbersome solutions for basic tasks.
Asus has made commendable efforts with its Armoury Crate software, providing a controller-centric interface for managing Ally settings. However, it falls short of the capabilities offered by SteamOS. Despite Asus’ best efforts, the Ally still faces bugs, such as issues with waking from sleep, which may be attributed to the hardware.
The true value of SteamOS lies not in its Linux foundation but in its ability to adapt the PC gaming experience to meet console expectations while retaining the flexibility that PC gamers desire. Valve has crafted a polished, performant, and feature-rich controller interface that enhances user experience. For Microsoft to succeed in the handheld gaming space, it must develop a similar interface that serves as a comprehensive gaming solution without requiring users to navigate a desktop OS.
Currently, Bazzite offers a compelling solution for ROG Ally users seeking an alternative to Windows, albeit with some trade-offs in performance and compatibility. Valve is also working on an official SteamOS version for Windows handhelds, which could streamline the experience further. The concept of a Windows gaming handheld without Windows may seem unconventional, but Bazzite delivers a surprisingly effective SteamOS-like experience for users of Windows handheld devices.
