The ASUS ROG Ally is a fantastic handheld gaming PCs, robbed of its full potential by the default operating system it ships with. While Windows 11 enables full compatibility for your library of games across platforms like Steam, Epic Games, and Xbox Game Pass, it also introduces a clunky user experience that feels anything but intuitive. Fortunately, there’s an elegant Linux-based solution called Bazzite to elevate your enjoyment of the ROG Ally.
Windows has never been an elegant fit on devices without a mouse and keyboard. It did come close with the ambitious but cluttered Metro UI of Windows 8, and nearly stuck the landing with Windows Phone (even if that was technically a different OS). But a modern Windows OS means that handheld device makers like ASUS and Lenovo have to develop and shoehorn in overlays to resemble the look, feel, and functionality of a Steam Deck.
So why not customize your ROG Ally to function exactly like a Steam Deck?
Bazzite: Looks Like Steam Deck, Plays Like ROG Ally
With the Steam Deck, Valve nailed the aesthetic and functionality of what a console-like gaming OS should be — and did it with Linux. But Valve did much more than that; it set high expectations for a smooth user experience right out of the gate and effectively jump-started this awesome handheld gaming PC craze.
If you value responsiveness, stability, performance, and elegance over compatibility with a handful of popular multiplayer games like Call of Duty, Destiny 2, Valorant, and Fortnight, you owe it to yourself to install Bazzite on your ROG Ally (or Legion GO). It graces you with a SteamOS-like experience and far fewer headaches right out of the box. It’s like transforming your ROG Ally into a slightly more powerful Steam Deck.
Here are 5 reasons you might prefer it to stock Windows:
#1: Instant Sleep And Resume
One of Steam Deck’s killer features is the ability to put the system to sleep instantly — even in-game — and wake it up instantly. A rather crucial feature for a gaming handheld, but one that’s notably absent on Windows-powered devices like the Legion GO and ROG Ally. I mean, it works sometimes. But it takes forever. And your game or graphics driver might crash. And it’ll suck your battery dry…
#2: Performance + Hardware Feature Parity
Bazzite isn’t just any flavor of Linux you slap onto your device. Like SteamOS for Steam Deck, it’s tuned for the hardware. You don’t have to give up RGB lighting tweaks, or VRR, or vibration, or in-depth controller customization. You can even change GPU frequency, adjust TDP limits, and manage custom fan curves. All with a double tap of the quick access menu button.
You’re also not sacrificing performance. I tested 5 games between Bazzite and Windows 11 on my ROG Ally Z1 using identical settings and power modes, and was honestly surprised to see Bazzite mostly outperforming Windows. Quite a feat, considering 4 of the 5 games I benchmarked aren’t even technically designed to run on Linux. (Linux gaming has come a long way since 2018!)
#3: Anxiety-Free Updates
There is an entire sector of tech coverage devoted to “Patch Tuesday” which refers to that scary time of the month when Microsoft rolls out Windows software updates. You’ll frequently see headlines warning users to “brace for impact,” and guides instructing how to undo the damage that was done. Bazzite’s Desktop and Deck images are “Atomic,” which means that after every update, the previous version of the OS is kept on your device. If any issues spring up, you can simply select the previous image during boot. And in my experience, updates have only improved things or added features, not introduced breakage. Which certainly happens with the ROG Ally on Windows.
#4: Smoother, Faster Interface
Just like the Deck, Bazzite’s primary handheld interface is Steam Gaming Mode. It’s faster, smoother, and immensely more intuitive than the clunky combination of Windows + Armory Crate. It feels like using a handheld console, not a shrunken-down laptop. And yep, you can still dock it and use it as a traditional desktop PC.
#5: Shared Game Library Between Bazzite Installs
This only applies if you’re running Bazzite on your ROG Ally (technically the “Bazzite-deck” image) and one or more PCs. But it’s a super cool feature! If you have a roomy microSD card full of Steam games, you can hot-swap it between any device running Bazzite. No need for a separate drive, or a separately formatted partition.
Bazzite Is Just Better
Other people may recommend Bazzite strictly on principle, as cheerleaders of Linux and open source. I’m recommending Bazzite because it’s an objectively better experience than Windows, and delivers a true handheld gaming experience. The only downside? Installing it can be a complicated process — especially for those unfamiliar with installing Linux — but the team has created a detailed walkthrough here.
