Recommended Free Tools
I stopped treating every anti-cheat game as a Linux compatibility problem. When a particular game does not run on my Linux machine, Steam Remote Play offers another route: run the game on a separate host PC and stream it to the Linux device. That changes where the game executes; it does not make the game compatible with Proton on the receiving device.
What changed: the game runs on a different PC
Steam Remote Play is a host-and-client setup. The host PC runs the game, while the client receives the stream and sends input back. Valve describes streaming games from a home PC directly to Steam Deck, including when the player is away from home: Steam Deck software.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
That distinction matters for anti-cheat. Proton compatibility is still relevant when the game runs locally on Linux, but with Remote Play the game runs on the host instead. The Linux device is acting as a streaming client, not trying to run that game through Proton.
Local play and Remote Play compared
| Question | Local Linux play with Proton | Steam Remote Play |
|---|---|---|
| Where does the game run? | On the Linux device | On a separate host PC; the Linux device receives the stream |
| Does Proton anti-cheat support matter? | Yes. Support depends on the middleware and whether the developer has enabled it for Proton. | The game runs on the host rather than through Proton on the client. This does not guarantee that every game or publisher permits streaming. |
| What does play depend on? | Local compatibility and the device’s ability to run the game | A usable host, a network connection between host and client, and acceptable stream responsiveness |
| Does the client need to be a Steam Deck? | No | No. Steam Deck is one documented client option, not a requirement. |
Anti-cheat on Linux is not an all-or-nothing problem
Valve says Proton supports some common anti-cheat middleware, including Easy Anti-Cheat and BattlEye, but developers must configure their games to enable support. Valve also says kernel-space anti-cheat solutions are not currently supported. The details are in Valve’s Steamworks Proton documentation.
#1 Best Overall
- 1TB NVMe SSD
- 1280 x 800 HDR OLED display with premium anti-glare etched glass, 7.4" Diagonal display size up to 90Hz refresh rate
- Wi-Fi 6E
- 50Whr battery; 3-12 hours of gameplay (content-dependent)
- Carrying case with removable liner
So “anti-cheat game” is not enough information to predict whether local Linux play will work. Compatibility depends on the specific game, the middleware it uses, and the developer’s configuration. Valve’s Steam Deck Verified criteria account for game middleware, including anti-cheat, and ratings can change as games and reviews are updated. Check the current rating and the publisher’s current support information for the game you care about rather than assuming that one title’s result applies to another.
What Remote Play does—and does not—solve
Remote Play avoids asking the Linux client to run the game locally through Proton: the host PC runs it and streams the result. It does not add Proton support to the client, guarantee that a publisher permits a particular game to be streamed, or establish that the stream will feel responsive on your network. Valve’s description establishes the host-to-client streaming model, not compatibility or performance for every title and setup.
Rank #2
- International (UK) Version
- 7.4” diagonal, HDR OLED, 1280 x 800 x RGB, up to 90Hz Refresh rate, High performance touch, <0.1 ms Response time, 1,000 nits peak brightness (HDR), 600 nits (SDR)
- SteamOS 3.0 (Arch-based)
- 512GB NVMe SSD, 16GB LPDDR5 on-board RAM (5500 MT/s quad 32-bit channels), microSD UHS-I supports SD, SDXC and SDHC
- 6 nm AMD APU, CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32
It is most useful when you already have a separate PC that can run the game and a client device you want to play from. If you do not have a suitable host, Remote Play does not replace one. A Steam Deck is an option Valve documents as a destination, but the workflow does not require buying one.
Set up the host and client
- Choose the host PC. Install Steam and use that machine to run the game. Confirm that the particular game launches and works on the host under its supported setup.
- Prepare the client. Install or open Steam on the Linux device you want to play from, and sign in to the account used on the host. Steam Deck is one possible client; Valve describes SteamOS as Linux-based and Proton as the compatibility layer for running Windows games on the Deck (Steam Deck software).
- Start the stream. With both devices available to Steam, select the host game from the client and choose the streaming option. The game should execute on the host while its video and audio are sent to the client and input travels back.
- Check the connection before changing compatibility settings. Remote Play relies on network connectivity. If the devices cannot connect or the stream is unstable, check the network path and Steam’s listed streaming ports before treating the issue as a Proton or anti-cheat problem.
Troubleshoot connection and controller issues
Steam cannot connect to the host
Steam’s Remote Play FAQ lists UDP ports 27031 and 27036 and TCP ports 27036 and 27037 for streaming. If your network firewall or router blocks the relevant traffic, Remote Play may not connect as expected. The FAQ does not guarantee that changing port settings will fix every network problem.
A Linux host does not pass controller input correctly
If the host itself runs Linux, Steam’s FAQ says Steam needs read/write access to /dev/uinput or /dev/input/uinput for controller emulation. The same FAQ notes that Linux machines currently lack rumble support. These are host-side details; they are separate from whether the game’s anti-cheat works with Proton on a Linux client.
The game is unavailable or unreliable locally
When the game runs on the client, check its current game-specific compatibility information and the publisher’s statements. Ubuntu’s Steam gaming guidance likewise notes that unsupported titles vary in functionality and recommends checking individual game compatibility. If local execution is the obstacle but you have a suitable host, streaming changes the execution location instead of changing the game’s Linux compatibility status.
Rank #4
- 【Upgraded】We sells product with professionally upgraded to 2TB SSD. Original Seal is opened for upgrade ONLY.
- 【Stunning 7.4" HDR OLED & 90Hz Motion】 Experience striking contrast and brilliant clarity with the all-new 7.4-inch HDR OLED display. Designed from the ground up for gaming, it features a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth motion and pure blacks. This handheld is capable of delivering an immersive visual experience, ensuring your Steam library looks better than ever with vibrant colors and amazing motion rendition.
- 【30-50% More Battery & Efficient Performance】 Play your favorites longer with up to 50% more battery life. By fitting a larger battery and a power-efficient OLED panel, this device provides extended gameplay sessions. It’s the perfect travel companion for long flights or commutes. The updated AMD APU ensures high-speed performance for AAA titles while maintaining incredible energy efficiency.
- 【3X Faster Downloads with Wi-Fi 6E】 Never wait for a game again. Equipped with Wi-Fi 6E, this Steam Deck OLED offers increased bandwidth and lower latency, delivering downloads up to 3 times faster than previous models. This ensures stable online play and rapid updates, making it the most reliable wireless gaming handheld for modern high-speed home networks.
- 【Responsive Touch & Enhanced Connectivity】 Enjoy a vastly improved touchscreen with higher fidelity and faster haptics. We’ve added a dedicated Bluetooth antenna to improve connections for multiple controllers. Whether using the built-in trackpads or the included external controller, this allows for precision play in everything from FPS to complex strategy games.
When this trade-off makes sense
- Use local Proton play when the specific game’s current support status works for you and you prefer not to depend on a second PC or a network stream.
- Use Remote Play when you have a host that can run the game and want to play from another device without asking that client to run the game locally.
- Keep dual-booting as an option if you need the game to run directly on one machine, cannot use a separate host, or find streaming latency unacceptable. Remote Play is an alternative workflow, not a universal replacement for local play.
My change was to stop making local Linux compatibility the only route to every game. A host PC plus Remote Play lets me keep the Linux client for the rest of my use while putting a game that needs a different setup on the machine that runs it. Whether that trade-off suits you depends on the specific title, the host you have, and the network between the two devices.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 512 GB NVMe SSD: Fast storage for quicker game load times and space for larger game libraries.
- OLED Display: 1200x800 resolution with deep contrasts and vibrant colors for a captivating visual experience.
- Custom AMD APU: Power-efficient Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU for desktop-level gaming performance.
- Expandable Storage: Add more space with a microSD card slot, ensuring you can bring even more games with you.
- Versatile Controls: With built-in thumbsticks, trackpads, and touchscreen controls, you have full control over your gaming experience.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
