this post was submitted on 25 Jul 2024
770 points (99.1% liked)
Linux Gaming
15911 readers
36 users here now
Gaming on the GNU/Linux operating system.
Recommended news sources:
Related chat:
Related Communities:
Please be nice to other members. Anyone not being nice will be banned. Keep it fun, respectful and just be awesome to each other.
founded 4 years ago
MODERATORS
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
view the rest of the comments
What do you mean? You can always use a distro like Steam OS (or any other Linux distro) on any x86 PC and still use a mouse and keyboard. Or use a Steam Deck and plug in a mouse and keyboard.
A steam deck with a mouse and keyboard is kind of horrible, I have tried that. And maybe things have changed, how well does Steam OS do as a primary OS? I might look into it again.
You can use any Linux distro and install steam on it? I really don't understand the issue you're having. It works perfectly on pretty much any modern mainstream distro.
Their questions are actually pretty straight forward, I really don’t understand the comprehension issue you’re having or why you feel the need to add the incredulous response.
Do you find the need to call people out like this in everyday conversation?
Because they've set up a false quandry. They're setting it up as a three option problem with no other options.
a. Use a Windows desktop to game because they prefer mouse and keyboard unless Steam comes out with a desktop. b. Use a Steam Deck with mouse and keyboard but it has alleged poor support for that and isn't viable (I'm saying alleged because I've never used a Steam Deck though my son has one). c. Use SteamOS and hope it has better keyboard and mouse support than the OS on the Steam Deck.
Those aren't your only options. You could also.
d. Use pretty much any other Linux based distribution on a desktop and install the Steam app on it. Why would you need a Steam based OS? Clearly they don't have a problem running Steam as an app in Windows, why not do the same on Linux?
Alternately and more likely they tried something once and didn’t fully understand it. Now they’re asking questions out of ignorance rather than winning an internet argument in some way.
Ok, from what I gather, they want to play games with keyboard and mouse, and also don't want to use windows any more. Steam OS is designed to be controller friendly and while desktop is nice and usable, Steam OS is probably not the best desktop distro out there. The obvious solution is to install any distro (Ubuntu, Mate, PopOS, even some gaming optimised ones), but yet they seem hung up on installing steam OS for whatever reason.
Maybe try something like Bazzite