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.
A good distro should optimize game performance, ensuring smooth frame rates and fast loading times.
Efficiency in power management is crucial to maximize playtime on the go.
Robust support for graphics and hardware drivers is essential for seamless gaming experiences.
User-friendly interfaces and easy-to-manage settings help gamers get the most out of their Steam Deck without technical hassle.
Our top picks for steam deck, ranked by overall experience.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Not sure which to pick? These comparisons might help.
Yes, the Steam Deck supports multiple Linux distributions, but some are more optimized for gaming and hardware compatibility than others.
SteamOS is designed by Valve for the Steam Deck, offering the best integration and compatibility, but other distros may offer unique features or optimizations.
Different distros offer various kernel optimizations, driver supports, and resource management, all of which can impact game performance.
Pop!_OS and Manjaro are considered user-friendly options that provide easy installation processes and excellent support for gaming.
No, installing a different Linux distribution will not void the Steam Deck warranty. Valve supports the customization of the device.
You can reinstall SteamOS by downloading the recovery image from Valve's official site and following the provided instructions for reinstallation.
Compare any two distros side-by-side.
