Alternatives to SteamOS
Valve's Linux-based gaming operating system for the Steam Deck and other supported devices. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
SteamOS
Valve's Linux-based gaming operating system for the Steam Deck and other supported devices.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as SteamOS.
ChimeraOS
A Linux operating system that turns a PC into a controller-driven, console-style gaming machine.
ChimeraOS is an open-source Linux system with a controller-driven console interface and background updates, also built around Steam Big Picture, and not limited to specific supported devices.
Nobara
A Fedora-based Linux desktop tuned for gaming, streaming and content creation out of the box.
Nobara is an open-source Fedora-based desktop with WINE, OBS Studio and tuned drivers, suited to Steam Deck-style handhelds, but it is a hobby project rather than Valve's official system.
Garuda Linux
An Arch-based Linux distribution with a gaming edition, performance tweaks and the Chaotic-AUR repository.
Garuda Linux is an open-source Arch-based distribution with a gaming edition and Chaotic-AUR, giving a full desktop but rolling updates that need regular attention.
Drauger OS
An Ubuntu-based Linux distribution tuned for desktop gaming performance.
Drauger OS is an open-source Ubuntu-based desktop with a gaming kernel and preinstalled launchers, offering general desktop use from a small team rather than Valve.
Ubuntu GamePack
An Ubuntu-based Linux distribution preloaded with Steam, Wine and other gaming tools.
Ubuntu GamePack is an Ubuntu-based desktop with Steam, Wine tools and DXVK preinstalled plus console emulation, supported by a small vendor and 64-bit systems only.
Pop!_OS
An Ubuntu-based Linux desktop operating system from System76, focused on productivity and customization.
Pop!_OS is an open-source Ubuntu-based desktop from System76 with NVIDIA support and full-disk encryption, aimed at general desktop use rather than a Steam console experience.
Manjaro Linux
An Arch-based rolling-release Linux distribution that aims to make Arch easier to install and use.
Manjaro Linux is an open-source Arch-based rolling release with multiple desktop editions and staged update branches, a general desktop rather than a Steam-centred console system.
Bazzite
A Fedora-based Linux distribution set up for gaming on desktops, handhelds, tablets and living-room PCs.
Bazzite is an open-source Fedora-based distribution with Steam and Lutris preinstalled and a handheld and HTPC edition, supporting more hardware than SteamOS's specific devices.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
Steam
Valve's PC gaming platform and client for buying, installing and playing games, with community features.
Batocera.linux
A free, open-source retro gaming Linux distribution that boots from a USB stick or SD card.
Lakka
A lightweight Linux distribution built on RetroArch that turns small computers into retro gaming consoles.
Recalbox
A retro gaming operating system that turns a Raspberry Pi or other hardware into a multi-system console.
AtlasOS
Open-source Windows modification that reduces bloat for performance, privacy and gaming.
Proton
Valve's Wine-based compatibility tool that lets Steam run Windows games on Linux.
