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Switching to Linux: not even that hard
by Kevin Hofer
Linux instead of Windows: SteamOS makes the Asus ROG Ally X faster and better
10.3.2025
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
With Bazzite, SteamOS now also runs on Windows handhelds such as the Asus Rog Ally X. It’s the best of both worlds with virtually no downsides.
The verdict on Windows handhelds is always the same: good hardware, bad software. Although Microsoft’s operating system offers the most freedom, it just doesn’t work with handhelds. Valve knew this too, creating its own Linux software for the Steam Deck in the form of SteamOS. And now there’s Bazzite, a new operating system for Windows handhelds such as Asus’ ROG Ally X.
Bazzite is a slightly modified version of SteamOS available via an installer for various handhelds (or desktops and laptops). It’s for people like me who can’t wait for Valve to make SteamOS officially available for other devices. Only the Lenovo Legion GO S currently enjoys this privilege.
Installation is surprisingly straightforward. All you need is a bootable USB stick with the right version for your handheld. Then just boot from the stick, install Bazzite and the fun can begin.
The whole thing also works in parallel with Windows. For a dual-boot version, I replaced the SSD in my ROG Ally X with a larger one so I’d have enough space for all my games. Replacing the SSD and reinstalling Windows is child’s play thanks to Cloud Recovery from the Asus bios. You can also split the existing partition.
The whole thing has been running smoothly for a few weeks in my case. Standby mode also works reliably. At last, I can send games to sleep at the touch of a button, just like on the Steam Deck. Later, I can continue playing them at the same point without interruption. In Windows, it’s a roll of the dice.
But a better interface is only one reason why I installed Bazzite on the ROG Ally X. The second is performance. Thanks to its AMD Z1 Extreme processor, the handheld has significantly more power than the Steam Deck, its display achieves 120 hertz at 1920 × 1080 pixels. The greatest thing about Bazzite isn’t only how stable it is, though – amazingly, all the games I tested ran even better than on Windows.
Asus ROG Ally X with the Turbo preset at 30 W TDP.Just like on a Steam Deck, the Linux desktop is also available on Bazzite. Be it for installing additional launchers, emulators or non-gaming software. After all, the ROG Ally X remains a fully fledged PC that you can connect to a monitor and other peripherals.
Verdict: better in almost every respect
Until Microsoft releases Windows tailored for handhelds, SteamOS will remain my operating system of choice. And Bazzite, installed in just a few steps, brings the fun to devices beyond Valve’s handheld. You make practically no compromises. Thanks to dual boot, you can switch to Windows at any time if a game is unavailable.
On top of that, compatible games run almost consistently faster on Bazzite. You don’t even lose device-specific functions such as RGB lighting or individual performance profiles. The fact that the move away from Windows is so painless should give Microsoft pause for thought. In any case, Linux is suddenly one of my favourites again.
Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chAs a child, I wasn't allowed to have any consoles. It was only with the arrival of the family's 486 PC that the magical world of gaming opened up to me. Today, I'm overcompensating accordingly. Only a lack of time and money prevents me from trying out every game there is and decorating my shelf with rare retro consoles.
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