BTW there is also the package (Bash script) downgrade to do this job. It is in official EndevourOS repositories, but also in the AUR. And if you want do it manually, head over to https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Downgrading_packages .

Instead installing older version that is either unsecure, or can cause dependency problems, I rather install Flatpak: https://flathub.org/en/apps/one.ablaze.floorp

It’s still not something most people are comfortable with. I am not a stranger to building PCs, so not talking for myself here. It would be much easier to replace controllers like on Switch or a regular game controller. Also being able to have a different buttons and layout configuration would be really cool for a PC handheld, as the system itself is very flexible.

As a secondary device to play games besides my big PC, yes. But lot of people have no other PC and the Steam Deck is the only device. Given that some games come at 100gb install size, and people want to install multiple games, 256gb can be low. I use internal space for Steam games and all stuff, and have an 512gb external card just for emulators and Roms.

It would make it more expensive and less durable. However being able to replace the controllers would definitely by nice, or even buy alternative builds with different buttons. But then, Valve couldn’t possibly hit the price with such an expensive luxurious feature.

335,20€

No? Helldivers 2 Anticheat system on Linux does not use Kernel level system. It runs at user level, and that’s the point. Nobody said it won’t work on Linux, the problem is that at user level, the Anticheat can easily be circumvented. At least at Kernel level this is massive harder to do and more complicated. I play myself Marvel Rivals and it has Anticheat on Linux too. Valve has a system too for their games such as Counter Strike. But these will never be as effective as one with Kernel level access.

And as explained before, its not just about the Anticheat working on Linux, the game itself needs to work (well) too. You guys need to understand its not just a switch to flip or a command to build a Linux version. That’s not how game development is all about. There is more behind all of this.

That’s not true. It DOES help to have kernel level access for the Anticheat. Just because there are systems that can workaround this protection does not mean every cheat is able to break that.

No reason is not entirely correct. If the Anticheat system only works at Kernel level, then it would not work on Linux. But they can opt in into a Linux version of the Anticheat system, that does not require Kernel level access. But that comes at a risk, because this is easier to work around as a cheater. Also do some Anticheat systems not require the hardware TPM module?

Plus if they don’t know much about Linux, its harder to support that platform as well. Because its not just about the Anticheat, but if the game runs on Linux, they have to make sure every component runs well too. Which they do often, but if any problem arises, they could get bombarded with Linux issues they do not entirely understand.

While in most cases the Linux support could be “easily” possible, as some games show it. One cannot just argue that there would be “no reason” why the Anticheat doesn’t work on Linux. There are technical reasons.

It’s only 2 minutes video, so I recommend to watch to listen to the source yourself.

The interviewer asks about Anticheat situation and Valve employee responds they are working to make it as easy as possible for developers to support Anticheat and build. Hardware modules are in place and whenever help needed, Valve tries to help the developers. But ultimately it is up to the developers to support.

TL;DR: Basically gaming compatibility and additional complications, on top of all what is new due to Linux.

I have a brother trying to convince him to use Linux over Windows (or at least dual boot). I could make him use Manjaro (back then when I was using Manjaro myself) on a laptop. That was his first experience and he is a gamer who likes multiplayer games. So the experience was a bit mixed. Later I borrowed him my Steam Deck for 2 weeks and it was a torture to myself, as it was the launch period of the hardware. And then I convinced him to buy Steam Deck instead a laptop.

He still loves the Steam Deck and uses it here and there, especially on vacation. But as lot of primary multiplayer games he play do not work on Linux and because of complications with some non Steam games and lot of applications he had, such as Discord, he went back to Windows on his new PC. Some complications arised because of the Steam Deck and its limitations, but that did not change the fact how games he plays are not working.

But he admits that SteamOS is the better operating system. And he understands why it is what it is, but as said, that does not change the fact he cannot play some of his favorite games on Linux. But that is not all. You have to understand that newcomers who experience LInux for the first time, and switched reluctant without research, don’t know what Wayland is, don’t know differences between desktop environments and has to deal with compatibility layers on top of all other new Linux stuff for them.

Why your sister felt she has less control is just a feeling, because she know less, therefore can control less. It makes sense from her perspective, so I would not say its entirely wrong.

Honestly, I am grateful that the FSF is a bit more strict in this definition. While I do not care too much about this, I think it is good that we have some ideal to follow and look forward. And its good, because anyone who wants to go that route, have a community and direction.

Agree to fully switch to a 100% free os? No. I need the nvidia driver.

Well, there is an Open Source Nvidia driver nowadays (not talking about Nouveau, but the new Nova). I don’t know how good it is and my old Nvidia 1070 card is not supported by Nova. So cannot do any comparisons sadly. I think in the future Open Source Nvidia drivers could be in a similar spot as AMD.

Calling a “regular” Linux desktop operating system being Black boxed or closed source is a bit too far in my opinion. I do not agree 100%, but I understand the concerns and points brought up in this discussion.

Well, every device in sleep mode runs out of battery at some point. The Steam Deck is not the most efficient one in sleep. I would just turn it off if you do not use it for an entire day or so. Otherwise its pretty useful to just sleep for a few hours.

I used Decky in the past and it was NOT recommended to have Steam (client) Beta enabled. That was a deal breaker for me. Not sure if this is still the case. Do you happen to use Steam Beta (note Steam itself, not Decky).

This escalated quickly.

I think the renaming is the right move, in order to not confuse anyone. Congratz “on the upgrade”. And well done asking what the community thinks before doing this. I wasn’t a fan of this, if the name was kept. But this way, it makes perfect sense.

I don’t think so. Because they are different systems with different goals and different needs. If the community was named “Steam OS”, then it would make sense. But this community is not about the operating system, but the device itself.

If no password is needed to do authentication, then any script and any user is able to do whatever they want on your system. Basically every script and application has root access by default. That is something you do not want to have. Even more important in multiuser environments.