There are at least a dozen Linux distros optimized for gaming, but only a few are optimized for gaming on handheld devices like the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, and ASUS ROG Ally. You’ll find in this post a short list of Linux for handheld devices that you can download and install on a supported handheld device.
Starting with . . .
1. Bazzite
Bazzite is a Linux distro based on Fedora Atomic that can be installed on not just handheld devices, but also on regular PCs. It comes pre-installed with Steam, so you can play all your favorite Steam games (Steam Gaming Mode is supported). It can also play games from non-Steam stores, like from EA App, Epic Games Store, GOG.com, itch.io, Rockstar Games Launcher, and Ubisoft Connect.
It is said to be compatible with a wide range of handheld devices, like the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, ASUS ROG Ally, and several others. The complete list of handheld devices supported by Bazzite and how to set it up on each device can be found here.
You may download a Bazzite installation image for your device from https://bazzite.gg.
2. CachyOS (Handheld Edition)
Though a general-purpose Linux distro built atop Arch Linux, CachyOS has an edition optimized for installation and use on handheld consoles, like the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go.
You may download the CachySO Handheld Edition from https://cachyos.org/download/. And you’ll find info on how to install it on your device here.
3. ROCKNIX
ROCKNIX is an immutable Linux distro and a fork of the now defunct Just Enough Linux Operating System (JelOS). It is mainly for handheld gaming devices focused on retro gaming emulation, so it is not a general purpose distro. All the info you need to download and use it is available at https://rocknix.org.
4. SteamOS
SteamOS is a public release of the Linux operating system that powers the Steam Deck. It is based on Debian 8 (Debian Jessie). Atop that sits the proprietary Steam Client and 3rd party drivers that optimizes it for the living room experience.
Visit this page for info on the hardware requirements of SteamOs and how to download and install it on your own hardware.
5. SteamFork
As the name suggests, SteamFork is based on SteamOS, but with improved hardware compatibility. The aim is to provide the same user experience as SteamOS on a Steam Deck on other handheld devices from ASUS, Antec, Atari, Ayaneo, Ayn, and GPD. IT can also be installed on mini-PCs and other computers with compatible hardware.
SteamFork is an atomic distribution, so it has support for simple rollback and recovery. It is bootable from USB drives and micro-SD cards (64 GB minimum). It is also possible to set up a dual-boot system alongside Windows. Aside from games from the Steam Store, it is compatible with games from Epic Games Store, GoG, and Amazon Prime Gaming via Heroic.
Visit this page for info on how to download and install SteamFork.
