A Windows gamer’s surprise discovery has turned the Asus ROG Ally X into their go-to handheld, outperforming its rival Steam Deck in some areas. After five months of testing, I’ve found Bazzite’s Linux-based solution far more appealing than its Windows counterpart. The $800 price tag may be steep for some, but its transformative capabilities make it a game-changer.
For years, I’ve advocated that Windows isn’t ideal for handheld gaming due to its bloated nature and lack of support for gamepad controls and keyboarding on small screens. However, Bazzite’s Linux-based SteamOS addresses these issues, offering an “it just works” experience reminiscent of Nintendo Switch or PS5 consoles.
By bringing 90% of the Steam Deck’s ease of use to the Asus ROG Ally X, Bazzite has effectively proven that using a different operating system can lead to better results. Its ability to offer comparable performance and battery life to Windows versions is impressive. While some may not be willing to pay the $800 price tag, I firmly believe that manufacturers should reconsider their approach and explore alternative solutions like Bazzite’s Linux-based offering.
As Valve prepares to open up SteamOS to more partners, it will be interesting to see how this development affects the handheld gaming market. For now, Bazzite has undoubtedly revolutionized my gaming experience, and I’m excited to see what other companies will bring to the table in response.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/30/24329005/bazzite-asus-rog-ally-x-steam-os-editorial