Best Linux Distros for Steam Deck

The Steam Deck has revolutionized portable gaming by bringing PC gaming to handheld devices. Choosing the right Linux distro can enhance your experience by optimizing performance, battery life, and game compatibility. This guide covers the best Linux distributions for the Steam Deck in 2026.

What makes a good Steam Deck distro?

🎮

Gaming Performance

A good distro should optimize game performance, ensuring smooth frame rates and fast loading times.

🔌

Battery Efficiency

Efficiency in power management is crucial to maximize playtime on the go.

🖥️

Driver Support

Robust support for graphics and hardware drivers is essential for seamless gaming experiences.

🛠️

Ease of Use

User-friendly interfaces and easy-to-manage settings help gamers get the most out of their Steam Deck without technical hassle.

Recommended distros

Our top picks for steam deck, ranked by overall experience.

1
Steamos Icon

SteamOS

Valve's Official Pick

Designed by Valve specifically for the Steam Deck, SteamOS offers the best compatibility and optimization for gaming. It is built to provide a seamless gaming experience with robust support for games and peripherals.

  • Optimized for Steam Deck hardware
  • Native Steam client integration
  • Excellent driver support
  • Regular updates from Valve
2
Garuda Linux Icon

Garuda Linux

Performance Powerhouse

Garuda Linux is known for its focus on performance and gaming. It includes a gaming edition tailored with tools and optimizations for the best gaming performance.

  • Performance-tuned kernel
  • Gaming-specific tools included
  • Rolling release model
  • Extensive customization options
3
Pop Os Icon

Pop!_OS

User-Friendly and Powerful

Pop!_OS, developed by System76, offers a great balance of power and ease of use. It's optimized for gaming and productivity, making it a versatile choice for Steam Deck users.

  • Excellent hardware compatibility
  • Built-in power management
  • Optimized for gaming
  • Easy installation of drivers
4
Manjaro Icon

Manjaro Linux

Beginner-Friendly Arch

Manjaro Linux provides a smooth and user-friendly experience with the power of Arch Linux. It offers excellent hardware support and a large repository of games.

  • Simplified Arch experience
  • Regular updates
  • Great for gaming
  • Wide community support
5
Ubuntu Icon

Ubuntu GamePack

Game-Ready Ubuntu

Ubuntu GamePack is a special edition of Ubuntu that comes pre-installed with tools and drivers necessary for gaming. Its compatibility and ease make it a good choice for Steam Deck users.

  • Pre-installed gaming software
  • Wide range of supported games
  • Stable and reliable
  • User-friendly interface
6
Fedora Icon

Fedora Games Spin

Open Source Gaming

Fedora Games Spin offers a collection of games and gaming tools on the Fedora platform. It's an excellent choice for open-source enthusiasts looking to game on the Steam Deck.

  • Open-source focused
  • Wide selection of games
  • Regular updates
  • Strong community support

Compare steam deck distros

Not sure which to pick? These comparisons might help.

Steam Deck FAQ

Can I install any Linux distro on the Steam Deck?

Yes, the Steam Deck supports multiple Linux distributions, but some are more optimized for gaming and hardware compatibility than others.

Is SteamOS the best choice for the Steam Deck?

SteamOS is designed by Valve for the Steam Deck, offering the best integration and compatibility, but other distros may offer unique features or optimizations.

How do Linux distros affect game performance on the Steam Deck?

Different distros offer various kernel optimizations, driver supports, and resource management, all of which can impact game performance.

What is the easiest Linux distro to install on the Steam Deck?

Pop!_OS and Manjaro are considered user-friendly options that provide easy installation processes and excellent support for gaming.

Will installing a different distro void the Steam Deck warranty?

No, installing a different Linux distribution will not void the Steam Deck warranty. Valve supports the customization of the device.

How can I switch back to SteamOS if I try another distro?

You can reinstall SteamOS by downloading the recovery image from Valve's official site and following the provided instructions for reinstallation.

Related categories

Not sure which to pick?

Compare any two distros side-by-side.