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Steam Deck

Steam Deck (LCD & OLED)

Steam Deck LCD|690x348, 100%

Status: Platinum

Installing Bazzite

Read the Installing Bazzite on Steam Deck guide.

Post-Installation Setup

  • No additional setup required, but the Bazzite Portal will appear in Desktop Mode at startup for additional software if desired.

Why Bazzite over SteamOS?

Both SteamOS and Bazzite use Steam Gaming Mode and share packages between each other, but what about differences under the hood? Bazzite should have most of the functionality from SteamOS with Steam Gaming Mode working as intended.

  • It should function nearly identical to SteamOS.
    • The Quick Access Menu (QAM) which is accessed with the ... button on Steam Deck is functional for TDP, framerate limiting, scaling, etc. like on SteamOS.
    • The same popular third-party software like Decky Loader, Emudeck, RetroDeck, etc. should install and function properly.
  • Reaping the benefits of Fedora Atomic Desktop:
    • Layer Fedora packages to the image without losing them between updates/reboots.
    • Roll back system updates from the last 90 days.
    • Alternate desktop environments available.
  • Bazzite includes newer versions of base packages than SteamOS which means Bazzite is always ahead of SteamOS in terms of Steam Gaming Mode and Desktop Mode features.
    • Newer package upgrades including the Linux kernel and drivers.
    • Regressions may occur more often since Bazzite upgrades base packages faster than SteamOS does.

If you want to see a more in-depth comparison, read our SteamOS comparison guide.

Does the Steam Deck image receive BIOS updates like SteamOS?

Yes. If a BIOS update is available then it will install when you update Bazzite normally. It also supports controller firmware updates too.

If desired, there is a command to disable BIOS updates at your own risk:

ujust disable-bios-updates

See also: Steam Gaming Mode Overview

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