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If you are interested in a Linux distribution specialized for gaming, Bazzite might be the right choice for you. This Fedora-based Linux distro is engineered to suit the gaming requirements on both traditional Linux desktops and the rising platform, the Steam Deck. In this article, we delve deep into the distinct aspects of Bazzite, focusing on its characteristics, capabilities, and recent updates. An Overview of Bazzite Base and Support Bazzite is built upon the newly released Fedora 38. It uses Universal Blue, which is an OCI base image of Fedora. The distro extends its compatibility by supporting a variety of hardware, including Microsoft Surface devices. Key drivers come pre-installed to offer a smooth initial experience. Unique Features Among the many features that make Bazzite unique are: Proprietary Nvidia Drivers: These come pre-installed, eliminating the need for manual installation. H264 Hardware Acceleration: Bazzite supports hardware-accelerated H264 decoding, which is beneficial for smoother gameplay and video streaming. Waydroid Implementation: This feature allows users to run Android apps, expanding the utility of the system. Xbox Controller Support: Thanks to the implementation of xone, xpadneo, and xpad-noone, Xbox controllers are readily supported. Initial Impressions After Testing Installation Experience The installation process for Bazzite is comparable to that of Fedora. However, the post-installation phase highlights the distinctions. Bazzite employs the KDE Plasma 5.27 desktop environment as its default setting, complete with Steam Deck-inspired branding throughout the operating system. Variants and Configuration Bazzite offers different ISOs tailored for PCs and Steam Deck, including an NVIDIA-focused variant and a GNOME variant for those who prefer it over KDE. Configuration is streamlined via the 'Bazzite Portal' application, which guides users through essential steps, including the optional installation of Open Razer. Gaming Workloads After initial configuration, Bazzite introduces a custom Arch Linux OCI in Distrobox, known as 'Bazzite Arch.' This enables platforms like Steam and Lutris to run gaming workloads efficiently. Additional Applications Upon completion of the setup, users find an operating system configured for gaming. There are various application categories for specific use cases, simplifying the process of installing popular apps. Latest Updates in Bazzite New Pre-Installed Apps Bazzite has recently been updated to include two new pre-installed applications: Mission Control: A system monitoring application. Discover Overlay: An application designed for Discord overlay functionality. Advanced Configurations Additional configuration options have been introduced, which include: Nix Package Manager Compatibility: Bazzite can now utilize the Nix Package Manager. Startup Modes and Memory Tuning: Options to start Steam in Big Picture Mode at startup and memory tuning features have been added. Conclusion If you're looking for a Fedora-based distro specifically engineered for a compelling gaming experience, Bazzite presents itself as a noteworthy candidate. With support for a wide array of hardware, pre-installed essential drivers, and numerous features focused on gaming, it stands as a strong alternative for Linux gamers and Steam Deck users alike. Also Read:

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Bazzite: A Specialized Fedora-Based Distro for Linux Gaming and Steam Deck