Alternatives to Bazzite
A Fedora-based Linux distribution set up for gaming on desktops, handhelds, tablets and living-room PCs. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
Bazzite
A Fedora-based Linux distribution set up for gaming on desktops, handhelds, tablets and living-room PCs.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as Bazzite.
SteamOS
Valve's Linux-based gaming operating system for the Steam Deck and other supported devices.
SteamOS is Valve's official, closed-source system built around Steam, but it is only supported on specific devices such as the Steam Deck and some AMD PCs.
ChimeraOS
A Linux operating system that turns a PC into a controller-driven, console-style gaming machine.
ChimeraOS gives a controller-driven, console-style interface built around Steam Big Picture with background updates, but it is not designed as a general desktop system.
Nobara
A Fedora-based Linux desktop tuned for gaming, streaming and content creation out of the box.
Nobara is also Fedora-based, with WINE, OBS Studio, codecs and tuned NVIDIA and AMD drivers set up, but it is a hobby project without Bazzite's rollback updates.
CachyOS
A performance-tuned Linux distribution based on Arch Linux, with CPU-optimized packages and a custom kernel.
CachyOS is Arch-based rather than Fedora-based, with CPU-optimized packages, a choice of kernel schedulers and a rolling release that needs regular updates.
Garuda Linux
An Arch-based Linux distribution with a gaming edition, performance tweaks and the Chaotic-AUR repository.
Garuda Linux is Arch-based with a dedicated gaming edition, the Chaotic-AUR repository and default performance tweaks, but rolling updates need regular attention.
Drauger OS
An Ubuntu-based Linux distribution tuned for desktop gaming performance.
Drauger OS is Ubuntu-based with an in-house gaming kernel, preinstalled launchers and KDE Plasma, but it comes from a small team and has no handheld edition.
Pop!_OS
An Ubuntu-based Linux desktop operating system from System76, focused on productivity and customization.
Pop!_OS is an Ubuntu-based desktop from System76 with NVIDIA and hybrid graphics support and full-disk encryption, focused on productivity more than gaming presets.
Ubuntu GamePack
An Ubuntu-based Linux distribution preloaded with Steam, Wine and other gaming tools.
Ubuntu GamePack is Ubuntu-based with Steam, Wine tools, DXVK and console emulation included, a Windows 10 style interface, and it is not open source.
Also worth comparing
These listings name Bazzite as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.
Fedora Games Lab
An official Fedora Linux edition that comes preloaded with a selection of open source games.
Bazzite is also Fedora-based but aims at commercial gaming, with Steam and Lutris preinstalled plus HDR and VRR, rather than bundling open source games.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
GameMode
A Linux daemon and library that temporarily applies performance optimisations while a game is running.
Gamescope
Valve's micro-compositor for Linux games, used in the SteamOS session and as a nested compositor.
Lutris
A Linux gaming platform that installs the right emulator, Wine build or engine for each game and launches them from one place.
Decky Loader
A plugin loader that adds community plugins to the Steam Deck's gaming mode interface.
Proton
Valve's Wine-based compatibility tool that lets Steam run Windows games on Linux.
MangoHud
A Vulkan and OpenGL overlay for Linux games that shows FPS, temperatures, CPU and GPU load.
