The surge in popularity of handheld gaming PCs has led to a crucial question for both manufacturers and players: which operating system delivers the best blend of performance, portability, and user experience? Microsoft’s Windows 11, typically the mainstream OS for desktops and laptops, faces stiff competition from Valve’s SteamOS—a Linux-based alternative engineered with gaming front and center. Recent high-profile benchmarks, especially Dave2D’s Lenovo Legion Go S analysis, have brought this rivalry into sharp focus, suggesting that Windows 11 may, in several key aspects, hold back the handheld gaming revolution rather than support it.
When Valve launched the Steam Deck, one of the more subtle yet impactful decisions was to develop and ship the device with SteamOS, their Linux-based operating system. Unlike Windows, SteamOS is tailored specifically for the gaming experience—fast boot times, controller-friendly navigation, and gaming-centric features out of the box. Windows 11, on the other hand, continues Microsoft’s heritage as a general-purpose OS, stretched to satisfy a billion desktops and laptops but less agile in the compact, streamlined environments of handheld PCs.
The results are clear: where Windows 11 offers familiarity, SteamOS frequently delivers superior performance. For instance, Dave2D’s benchmarks for Cyberpunk 2077 show up to 25% better frame rates on SteamOS compared to Windows 11. In The Witcher 3, SteamOS managed 76 frames per second, while Windows 11 trailed behind at 66 fps on the same hardware. While there were instances where Windows held a slender advantage (for example, a mere 1 fps lead in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2), the broad trend favored the Linux-based OS.
For desktop owners, the pressure to switch is less immediate given the existing ecosystem and wide-ranging compatibility, but even here, comparisons like EliteBossSlayer’s Final Fantasy 7 benchmark on YouTube demonstrate meaningful performance gaps—in some titles, Linux and SteamOS can lead over Windows 11.
However, not all is flawless. Some games, particularly those with aggressive anti-cheat mechanisms, still fail to run reliably under Proton. This is especially true for popular titles like Destiny 2, Valorant, and similar competitive shooters, where root-level kernel drivers are often a requirement for anti-cheat functions—support for which remains spotty or non-existent on Linux. This legacy friction means that Windows 11, at least for now, holds the edge for players deeply invested in these ecosystems.
For Valve, the ecosystem is reversed: SteamOS is designed for boot-and-play, rapid sleep/wake cycles, and zero distractions. The UI, update schedules, and application convenience all reflect this single-minded vision.
Additionally, for those who regularly multitask—using their gaming handheld as a mini-laptop or productivity tool—Windows offers unmatched flexibility. Office apps, peripherals, external displays, and niche specialty software like VR peripherals often work best or only with Windows.
That said, for those committed purely to the gaming experience, these advantages are rapidly narrowing in their practical importance.
Meanwhile, open-source communities and OEMs have stepped in, developing friendly Linux-based distros like Bazzite and maintaining forks that improve compatibility and usability as open-source projects. Valve itself continues to iterate SteamOS rapidly. This groundswell of innovation means the window of Windows' relevance in handheld gaming shrinks with every passing quarter—unless Microsoft changes course.
There are also risks that the nascent Linux market will stagnate without sustained investment. If Valve were to pivot away from SteamOS, many of the advancements could lose rapid momentum, and OEMs may revert to Microsoft's established ecosystem by default. There is also the looming possibility that certain developers may grow less invested in ensuring parity across platforms if the market becomes too fragmented or too challenging to support.
Lastly, security and privacy trade-offs are present. While many users prefer Linux for its open nature, it lacks the broad, centralized patch management and security services found in Windows—and the relatively smaller user base means slower response to new threats is possible, though arguably less frequent.
For those whose gaming needs are focused, and who are ready to embrace a minor learning curve, SteamOS (or a similar Linux distro) now represents a viable and often preferable alternative. But the road isn't yet fully paved—anti-cheat compatibility, app support, and modding simplicity all remain key battlegrounds.
Ultimately, the smart move for most will be to weigh their own priorities: maximum compatibility and productivity, or pure gaming performance, efficiency, and portability. For now, one thing is certain: for the first time in years, Windows' dominance of PC gaming is being seriously, publicly questioned—and that can only benefit gamers in the long term.
Source: Inkl Microsoft's Windows 11 is a detriment to handheld gaming PCs – and a recent SteamOS comparison highlights that
A Tale of Two Operating Systems
When Valve launched the Steam Deck, one of the more subtle yet impactful decisions was to develop and ship the device with SteamOS, their Linux-based operating system. Unlike Windows, SteamOS is tailored specifically for the gaming experience—fast boot times, controller-friendly navigation, and gaming-centric features out of the box. Windows 11, on the other hand, continues Microsoft’s heritage as a general-purpose OS, stretched to satisfy a billion desktops and laptops but less agile in the compact, streamlined environments of handheld PCs.Hardware Parity, Software Divergence
Benchmark tests, including those by respected tech reviewer Dave2D, have thrown light on the real-world differences experienced by gamers. The recent side-by-side comparison of the Lenovo Legion Go S running both Windows 11 and SteamOS is a prime example. Both devices used the same hardware configuration—either AMD Ryzen Z2 Go or Z1 Extreme—eliminating component variability and isolating the OS as the core differentiator.The results are clear: where Windows 11 offers familiarity, SteamOS frequently delivers superior performance. For instance, Dave2D’s benchmarks for Cyberpunk 2077 show up to 25% better frame rates on SteamOS compared to Windows 11. In The Witcher 3, SteamOS managed 76 frames per second, while Windows 11 trailed behind at 66 fps on the same hardware. While there were instances where Windows held a slender advantage (for example, a mere 1 fps lead in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2), the broad trend favored the Linux-based OS.
User Experience—Beyond Raw Performance
It’s not merely frames per second that matter for handheld gamers—it’s also how naturally the system fits into ‘console-like’ portability. SteamOS is built with large-touch targets, instant-on functionality, and controller-first navigation, whereas Windows 11 remains fundamentally mouse-and-keyboard centric. Multiple reports and enthusiast testimonials, including those written by gamers who’ve replaced Windows 11 with Linux-based alternatives like Bazzite on devices such as the Asus ROG Ally, consistently cite a substantial improvement in day-to-day usability.For desktop owners, the pressure to switch is less immediate given the existing ecosystem and wide-ranging compatibility, but even here, comparisons like EliteBossSlayer’s Final Fantasy 7 benchmark on YouTube demonstrate meaningful performance gaps—in some titles, Linux and SteamOS can lead over Windows 11.
The Technical Roots: Why Does SteamOS Win?
Understanding why SteamOS consistently provides a performance edge leads to several technical factors:- Streamlined Kernel and System Services: SteamOS, being based on Linux, can be highly lean. Its kernel and services are tailored to gaming, with unnecessary background processes minimized. Windows 11, by contrast, has a significant amount of legacy code and an obligation to serve diverse applications, many of which are irrelevant to gaming on handhelds.
- Better Memory and Resource Management: Linux-based systems can offer more granular control over hardware resources, enabling superior memory management for games. Windows 11’s bloat—such as pre-installed productivity apps and redundant services—creates additional overhead that can squeeze out available resources.
- Driver and API Efficiency: For gaming, modern graphics APIs like Vulkan are favored by Linux developers and offer efficiency advantages for titles that support them. While Windows dominates in driver availability courtesy of long-time DirectX support, SteamOS and its underlying Proton compatibility layer are rapidly closing the compatibility gap for major titles.
- System Overhead: Tools such as Windows Security, Telemetry, and frequent background updates, while necessary for broader platform safety and compatibility, are less relevant—if not outright detrimental—on a handheld gaming device primarily intended for local play.
SteamOS and Proton: The Compatibility Gap Narrows
Valve’s Proton layer has made remarkable strides, allowing a vast library of traditionally Windows-only games to run on Linux-based systems. Proton translates DirectX calls (the dominant graphics API on Windows) into Vulkan or OpenGL (native to Linux), making seamless gaming on SteamOS more viable than ever. The protondb.com community-driven database now lists thousands of games as ‘Gold’ or ‘Platinum’ rated for compatibility and performance—evidence of how quickly Linux gaming is catching up.However, not all is flawless. Some games, particularly those with aggressive anti-cheat mechanisms, still fail to run reliably under Proton. This is especially true for popular titles like Destiny 2, Valorant, and similar competitive shooters, where root-level kernel drivers are often a requirement for anti-cheat functions—support for which remains spotty or non-existent on Linux. This legacy friction means that Windows 11, at least for now, holds the edge for players deeply invested in these ecosystems.
Usability Hurdles and Critical Weaknesses
While the performance and day-to-day gaming user experience are, in many ways, squarely in SteamOS’s favor, several hurdles remain for those considering a switch.Application Ecosystem
Not every tool beloved by gamers is readily usable on Linux. Discord—a linchpin for social gaming and streaming—is less stable and fully-featured on Linux. While custom clients like Vesktop, available on GitHub, promise workarounds, the shifting nature of Discord’s codebase means users may face frequent breakages or the ongoing need for tweaks. Native video capture, game modding tools, and some proprietary launchers (like EA’s or Rockstar’s platforms) simply aren't as fluid or reliable.Modding and Game Mods
For many, the appeal of PC gaming rests in its near-limitless support for mods. On Linux, the process can be more involved, especially for titles distributed outside Steam or that require Windows-native mod managers. While modding is possible with workarounds, it lacks the simplicity and out-of-the-box compatibility that Windows provides.Anti-Cheat Limitations
The inability to run certain multiplayer games due to anti-cheat implementation is a well-documented barrier. Until more anti-cheat vendors fully support Linux, gamers in these communities have little choice but to stick with Windows.Maintenance Mental Load
Switching to Linux or maintaining a dual-boot setup entails a degree of technical comfort. The learning curve for troubleshooting compatibility—especially after updates—remains non-trivial, and the average handheld user may not relish becoming their own IT support.The Bloatware Quandary and Microsoft’s Strategic Focus
Many of Windows 11’s drawbacks on compact gaming hardware aren't accidents but the result of its broader strategic priorities. Microsoft’s focus remains squarely on securing the traditional desktop market, serving both consumers and enterprises. This means that a significant portion of Windows 11’s footprint—productivity apps, system services, security layers, background tasks—are irrelevant or actively counterproductive on a gaming-first handheld device.For Valve, the ecosystem is reversed: SteamOS is designed for boot-and-play, rapid sleep/wake cycles, and zero distractions. The UI, update schedules, and application convenience all reflect this single-minded vision.
Is Windows 11 Good for Anything in Handheld Gaming?
One area where Windows 11 continues to shine is sheer compatibility. Not only does it support every PC game released in the past three decades, but it’s also the first port of call for legacy hardware and rare emulators. There’s also intrinsic support for the broader game library beyond Steam—whether that’s Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store, Origin, or GOG Galaxy—keeping all your purchases in play. For gamers who tinker with hardware or demand the absolute widest ecosystem, Windows 11 remains indispensable.Additionally, for those who regularly multitask—using their gaming handheld as a mini-laptop or productivity tool—Windows offers unmatched flexibility. Office apps, peripherals, external displays, and niche specialty software like VR peripherals often work best or only with Windows.
That said, for those committed purely to the gaming experience, these advantages are rapidly narrowing in their practical importance.
Dual-Boot: A Pragmatic Compromise
With all these trade-offs, some users opt for dual-boot solutions. Having both Windows 11 and a Linux-based OS (like SteamOS, Bazzite, or ChimeraOS) lets gamers enjoy the best of both worlds: Windows for maximum compatibility and modding, SteamOS for performance, efficiency, and a focused interface. However, the need to reboot just to play a particular game or use a certain feature is an inconvenience that limits the appeal for casual gamers—especially when most rival consoles are designed for instant usability.The Consumer Shift: Is the Balance Tipping?
As more handheld gaming PCs hit the market—Lenovo Legion Go, Asus ROG Ally, and others—there’s increasing pressure on Microsoft to respond to these user-experience failings. As of yet, Microsoft hasn't launched a lighter weight, gaming-first edition of Windows 11 and there are no public plans to support this use-case directly beyond generic Windows-on-ARM or general performance optimizations.Meanwhile, open-source communities and OEMs have stepped in, developing friendly Linux-based distros like Bazzite and maintaining forks that improve compatibility and usability as open-source projects. Valve itself continues to iterate SteamOS rapidly. This groundswell of innovation means the window of Windows' relevance in handheld gaming shrinks with every passing quarter—unless Microsoft changes course.
Risks Moving Forward
Not everything about the Linux/SteamOS revolution is cause for celebration. Fragmentation—between distros, between driver support, and even between Proton builds—can create headaches for less technically skilled players. The Linux gaming scene requires user initiative: learning how to troubleshoot errors, report incompatibilities, and manage open-source software updates.There are also risks that the nascent Linux market will stagnate without sustained investment. If Valve were to pivot away from SteamOS, many of the advancements could lose rapid momentum, and OEMs may revert to Microsoft's established ecosystem by default. There is also the looming possibility that certain developers may grow less invested in ensuring parity across platforms if the market becomes too fragmented or too challenging to support.
Lastly, security and privacy trade-offs are present. While many users prefer Linux for its open nature, it lacks the broad, centralized patch management and security services found in Windows—and the relatively smaller user base means slower response to new threats is possible, though arguably less frequent.
Conclusion: The Battle for Handheld Gaming’s Future
The evidence, both anecdotal and empirical, continues to mount: for pure handheld gaming performance and experience, Windows 11 is no longer the unchallenged leader. SteamOS and its Linux-based kin offer a meaningful alternative, especially when the device is used primarily for gaming. With portable gaming on the rise and open-source innovation accelerating, Microsoft faces a real challenge.For those whose gaming needs are focused, and who are ready to embrace a minor learning curve, SteamOS (or a similar Linux distro) now represents a viable and often preferable alternative. But the road isn't yet fully paved—anti-cheat compatibility, app support, and modding simplicity all remain key battlegrounds.
Ultimately, the smart move for most will be to weigh their own priorities: maximum compatibility and productivity, or pure gaming performance, efficiency, and portability. For now, one thing is certain: for the first time in years, Windows' dominance of PC gaming is being seriously, publicly questioned—and that can only benefit gamers in the long term.
Source: Inkl Microsoft's Windows 11 is a detriment to handheld gaming PCs – and a recent SteamOS comparison highlights that
