Liam @ GamingOnLinux 🐧🎮Nov 23, 2023

It's hilarious to still see takes like this - Windows Central

"Don't buy a Steam Deck, if you want a gaming handheld buy an ROG Ally — here's why"

There's so many problems with that article it's just funny, and sad.

While yes, Windows 11 out of the box can do some things SteamOS can't - entirely fair.

It makes out like SteamOS can't do things a PC can. Like word processing, web browsing, installing other stores etc.

Show threadLuiz CostaNov 23, 2023

@gamingonlinux I just read that post and... I agree with Windows Central.

I don't think the point is that "Linux" can't do that. For an average user, it's hard to leave the Steam interface and understand how to install anything but Steam games.

I do agree they exaggerate in some arguments, like "Since ROG Ally runs Windows 11, it can do anything a gaming laptop can". But in general, I agree with them.

The user must be a nerd like us to install anything but Steam games on a Steam Deck.

Show threadLiam @ GamingOnLinux 🐧🎮Nov 23, 2023
@thenets If you think operating a simple menu, to hit a button that says "Switch to Desktop" and gives you a very Windows style layout with KDE Plasma is hard for the average user - humanity is doomed
Show threadLuiz CostaNov 23, 2023

@gamingonlinux I agree with you. The desktop mode on a Steam Deck is great and easy to use. This is a failed point in the article.

But what I'm saying is: reading their entire post, the desktop mode is the smallest point. They are mostly saying that if you want to install games outside the Steam library, the Ally is better. And this is true.

I love my Steam Deck, but handling it with other launchers is always a pain.

Show threadlime!Nov 23, 2023
@thenets @gamingonlinux the ally is better *if you know how to do that on windows*. the out of the box experience on the deck allows installation of alternative stores without even opening the browser since most of them exist as flatpaks.
Show threadLuiz CostaNov 23, 2023

@lime @gamingonlinux if the game is not on the Steam library, this is not true.

Any launcher would require Lutris or Bottles, then create a custom shortcut for the Steam Deck. And it does not always work.

Also, there's no Game Pass outside Windows.

Show threadlime!
@thenets @gamingonlinux I wasn't really thinking of game pass, more like gog or epic or itch, which all have flatpaks that come with wine configs. the only annoying thing is adding games from there to the steam UI, and that's a single run of a flatpak tool (boilr) as well.
Nov 23, 2023 at 11:43amWeb
Show threadLuiz CostaNov 23, 2023

@lime @gamingonlinux yeah. I agree the experience is great for GOG and Epic for most games. But even in this case, for a kid who wants to play Fortnite, isn't that simple.

And that's the usual take for me: I hate those custom launchers but they do work great on Windows for those who don't have experience.

We reached a point where, in my opinion, Linux is better for Steam games and of course Valve is the reason why we got it. But for anything else, it is a hit or miss. Like Fortnite, LoL, etc.

Show threadlime!Nov 23, 2023
@thenets @gamingonlinux i keep forgetting about fortnite