r/LinuxOnAlly

Anatase is a next generation Linux operating system
Desktop, couch, terminal, and handheld with unmatched stability, simplicity, and no compromises

I’m currently running SteamOS on my ROG Ally and I’m really unhappy with the desktop environment. SteamOS uses a shim to trick the OS into receiving the controller input as mouse/keyboard instead of adding controller as an input device the way Windows and macOS do. The desktop interface is also a nightmare for touchscreen since it’s built for keyboard/mouse on a large monitor.

Using Steam is a no-go for me because it’s identical to Microsoft, Apple, or Google: buying isn’t owning. So a distro where the main selling point is that it runs Steam is irrelevant.

I’ve spent hours on YouTube and search engines trying to research a Linux distro that focuses on handhelds and touch but every YouTube video seems obsessed with showing screenshots from distro websites and focus solely on “it runs Steam!” Yeah, so does SteamOS and Windows. It’s like selling a car and saying, ”it will drive on toll roads!” Yup. Sure will.

Is there a distro or DTE that focuses on handhelds/touch that isn’t trying to just install Steam and be done with it? I read that other distros outside of SteamOS use handheld daemon for the controller and buttons and that it correctly reveals the controller to desktop applications unlike SteamOS, but touch on Linux has been limited to emulating a mouse. Is that still the case with every distro?

So far, Windows 11 has been a really good experience on the Xbox Ally X. After some debloating, it feels solid: audio is great, MCU updates are easy, game installs are smooth, and I can just boot straight into desktop mode without wanting a more console-like setup.

My only concern is long-term stability. I keep seeing reports that issues tend to show up after extended use, so I’m wondering if Linux might be the better long-term option.

I already use Linux Mint on my laptop, and I’m fine giving up most of the “premium” Xbox Ally X extras. What matters more to me are the practical Armoury Crate features like FPS limiting, TDP control, and performance monitoring.

My main hesitation is Steam’s fullscreen behavior on handheld Linux distros. I barely use Steam, most of my library is on GOG and Epic, so being forced into fullscreen Steam feels awkward. Can that be bypassed or customized? What Armoury Crate features or other features would I actually lose on Linux?

Also, Hibernate on Windows 11 has been excellent for me so far. How does that compare to Linux on the Xbox Ally X right now?

So I’m getting a Rog Ally X tomorrow should I run Bazzite or Steam OS on it ?

Hey guys I’m new to steamos on ally and I’m looking for a custom fan curve I have the feeling my ally get quiet hit playing deadlock please help mee

Hi guys I have steam os 3.8 on my ROG Ally Z1 Extreme and Css Loader is not displaying any kind of Themes, is there anyway to fix this? or is there anything I need or can do? I am sorry I am fairly new to Decky Loader, and not completely familiar with linux or the app itself. any help would be appreciated!

Has anybody tried the new lotr war in the north yet if so how'd it run im using bazzite on my ally z1e by the way

Hello again! I've noticed that for some reason the volume when using bazzite seems to be absurdly low in speakers? Is there any fix?