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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchBazzite, Nobara, CachyOS, and ChimeraOS are credible Linux alternatives to SteamOS, but none is established as universally faster or better. The right choice depends on whether you want a handheld-friendly system, a desktop with gaming tools ready to use, a performance-oriented rolling release, or a PC that boots straight into a couch-gaming interface.
How to choose a SteamOS alternative
Start with the device and the way you want to play, then check the project’s current hardware guidance for your exact GPU, handheld, Wi-Fi, controller, and display. The projects describe different use cases and features; those descriptions are not a controlled performance comparison.
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- Device: Decide whether the system is for a desktop PC, handheld, or living-room gaming PC.
- Interface: Choose between a conventional desktop, a Steam Gaming Mode-style experience, or Steam Big Picture at startup.
- Setup: Consider whether you want launchers, monitoring tools, and other gaming utilities available without assembling them yourself.
- Maintenance: Check the update model and whether you are comfortable with a rolling release or a more opinionated image-based system.
- Game support: Compatibility varies by game and its requirements. Check the specific title and anti-cheat situation rather than assuming every game works on Linux.
Four Linux distros to consider instead of SteamOS
| Distribution | Best fit | What the project describes |
|---|---|---|
| Bazzite | Desktop, handheld, or home theater PC | Fedora-based system with desktop and handheld/HTPC variants, atomic updates, and rollback options. |
| Nobara | Desktop gaming and streaming setup | Gaming utilities and creator software, including Steam, Lutris, Gamescope, GameMode, MangoHud, GOverlay, and OBS Studio. |
| CachyOS | Technically comfortable users interested in performance-oriented defaults | Arch-based rolling release with CPU-optimized packages, a tuned kernel with scheduler choices, and graphical or command-line installation. |
| ChimeraOS | Couch-first gaming PC | Gaming-appliance approach that starts in Steam Big Picture, with a web app for game management and automatic background updates. |
Bazzite: the broadest form-factor choice
Bazzite is a community-driven Fedora-based gaming system with variants for desktop computers, handhelds, and home theater PCs. Its documentation describes atomic updates and rollback options, while its project pages list support for AMD, recent Nvidia, and Intel GPUs and several handheld families. The feature site also lists Steam preinstalled, HDR and VRR support, launcher integration, and rollback tools. These are project descriptions, not a guarantee that every feature works identically on every hardware configuration.
Consider Bazzite if you want one project to cover a conventional desktop as well as a handheld or TV-connected PC, while retaining a SteamOS-like gaming mode. Review its SteamOS comparison documentation and feature overview for details relevant to your device.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
Nobara: gaming and creator tools on a desktop
Nobara’s user guidance lists Steam, Lutris, Gamescope, GameMode, MangoHud, GOverlay, and Proton installation tooling among its gaming software. It also discusses OBS Studio and other creator software, making it worth considering if the same desktop will be used for gaming and streaming or content creation. Having these tools available does not, by itself, establish higher frame rates.
Check the Nobara user guide for its current usage and hardware guidance before choosing it.
CachyOS: optimization options for hands-on users
CachyOS describes itself as an Arch-based, performance-focused distribution. Its official site highlights CPU-optimized packages, a tuned kernel with scheduler choices, a guided graphical installer, a command-line installer, and a range of desktop environments. Those features may appeal if you want optimization choices and are comfortable with a rolling-release system.
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The project’s performance-oriented design is not proof that it runs games faster than SteamOS. See the CachyOS official site for its current options.
Rank #3
- 【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.
ChimeraOS: a PC that behaves more like a console
ChimeraOS is aimed at couch gaming: it describes a system that boots into Steam Big Picture, supports controllers, and provides a web app for game management and automatic background updates. The project also describes support for Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and console platforms. That focus makes it a distinct option for a living-room PC, rather than a default recommendation for a general-purpose desktop.
The project sums up its intended use this way: “If you want Steam in your living room, you want ChimeraOS.” Read the ChimeraOS About page for its description of the system and supported platforms.
Rank #4
- 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.
Does any of them run games faster than SteamOS?
There is no established FPS winner among these four and SteamOS in the available project descriptions. They support comparing features and intended uses, not a performance ranking. A meaningful speed comparison would need matched hardware, game versions, drivers, graphics settings, and testing methodology. Choose based on the experience and maintenance model you want unless you have reliable, directly comparable benchmarks for your own setup.
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Check game and hardware compatibility before switching
Linux game compatibility is not universal. Before installing a different distribution, look up the specific games you play, especially any that rely on anti-cheat software, and confirm current support for your GPU and connected devices in the relevant project’s guidance. A distro’s general support statement cannot guarantee that every game, peripheral, or display feature will work on your particular machine.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Valve is entering the gaming console marketplace with the new Steam Deck, a console geared towards PC gamers. The Steam Deck can be docked to a monitor, and used as a PC, or docked to a TV.
- Players can play a huge variety of games at any time with the comfort of a console and the freedom of a PC. Not anti-glare screen.
- Like the name suggests, the Steam Deck will include upgraded 1TB storage, and will include a carrying case. A micro SD slot will also enable expanded storage.
- Valve partnered with AMD to create a specialized APU optimized for handheld gaming, and Valve says the chip will deliver performance to run AAA gaming titles.
- The Steam Deck is outfitted with a 7-inch touchscreen, and two trackpads under the control sticks that allow gamers to operate games never designed outside of mouse and keyboard capabilities.
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