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In recent years, several gaming handhelds have emerged, each vying for attention in the shadow of the Steam Deck’s enduring appeal. Among these contenders are Windows-based devices such as the ASUS ROG Ally (and Ally X), Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw. However, it’s worth noting that Windows 11 is not particularly optimized for gaming, while SteamOS offers a more streamlined, console-like experience that is user-friendly right from the start, especially for Steam titles. Enter Bazzite, a custom alternative designed to replicate that SteamOS experience on various Windows handhelds.
Bazzite claims to be the “next generation of Linux gaming”
Although we are still awaiting native SteamOS support for competing PC gaming handhelds—Valve is reportedly working on ROG Ally compatibility, though no timeline has been disclosed—Bazzite presents a compelling solution. This custom image, built on a Fedora-based version of Linux, offers a lightweight operating system tailored for gaming. The Bazzite package comes pre-installed with Steam, making it a straightforward way to explore Linux on your handheld device. For context, SteamOS, utilized by the Steam Deck, is also based on Linux.
While there are some limitations, such as subpar native support for games like GTA V and the latest Call of Duty titles, Valve has made significant strides with Proton to enable Windows games to run on Linux, granting access to an extensive game library. Bazzite aims to deliver a user experience similar to that of the Steam Deck’s native OS, with easy installation guides available for various handhelds.
Additionally, Bazzite facilitates quick access to non-Steam games, as it comes pre-installed with Lutris and supports platforms like Junk Store and Heroic Games Launcher.
PC handhelds running Windows may suffer from stutters
A recent video from Digital Foundry provides an insightful hands-on review of Bazzite, weighing its advantages and disadvantages. Their findings suggest that Windows on devices like the ROG Ally may not be the most suitable option, while SteamOS proves to be more convenient and user-friendly. Testing revealed that Bazzite delivers performance comparable to Windows while effectively circumventing shader compilation stutters, a problem highlighted in the Final Fantasy VII remake.
Bazzite employs software that allows for the pre-calculation of Vulkan shaders, as opposed to compiling them on the fly like Windows does. This approach significantly reduces the likelihood of frustrating stutters in certain games. Additionally, Bazzite demonstrated a slight improvement in battery life, although the difference was not substantial.
