Unlocking Living Room Gaming: How Framework Desktop and Linux Transformed My PC Experience

I’ve always wanted to game on a PC. A single platform that can be upgraded easily and lets me access my huge Steam library anywhere. The Steam Deck is great, but I needed something more powerful for my living room. I tried gaming laptops, but they were often noisy. Desktops were too bulky for my space, and navigating Windows without a keyboard and mouse was frustrating. I thought Valve’s Steam Machine would be the solution, but that didn’t pan out.

Recently, my outlook changed when I started using the Framework Desktop along with Bazzite, which is a Linux-based alternative to SteamOS. Setting it up was a breeze—about an hour of my time got me playing PC games on my TV at 4K, 60fps. It’s compact, quieter than a PS5, and I can easily wake it up with my gamepad from the couch.

While the Framework Desktop doesn’t offer the same portability as a handheld device, it’s easy to move around. I often use it for work at my desk and gaming in the living room afterward. Sometimes, shifting locations makes all the difference after a long day.

The Framework Desktop, at just 4.5 liters, is smaller than many gaming PCs but stronger than average streaming boxes. However, its price starts at $1,099, which is more than a PS5 Pro. Still, it’s worth it if you need a multi-functional device.

My experience with Bazzite has been mostly positive. It’s user-friendly, making it easy to break free from Windows, especially if you’re tired of its constant updates and bloatware. If you need to run Windows-specific programs, dual booting is possible as Bazzite supports that.

Bazzite displayed a clean look that I appreciate. Unlike the complexity some may fear, using Linux can actually be enjoyable. It might take some getting used to—for example, understanding the KDE Wallet Service or remapping keyboard keys—but overall, it feels refreshing to step outside the usual operating systems.

However, not every application runs smoothly on Linux. Programs like Adobe Creative Cloud aren’t compatible, and sometimes you’ll need to use the Terminal for simple tasks. Luckily, many essentials like Google Chrome and Discord work perfectly.

General gaming performance has been reliable. Though some games won’t run or function poorly on Linux due to anti-cheat measures, many triple-A titles perform well. For instance, “Cyberpunk 2077” plays decently at medium settings in 4K. It’s not flawless, but the gaming experience is surprisingly satisfying.

As for hardware, I found that the Framework Desktop handles most games smoothly, even delivering decent graphics. A few games, like “Monster Hunter,” are a bit of a challenge, showing that even some foundational titles may still struggle unless on top-tier hardware.

Overall, I’m genuinely impressed with what Bazzite offers, paired with the Framework Desktop. This may be the moment for Linux-based gaming systems to shine, merging simplicity with power.

If you want to give Bazzite a shot, the setup is straightforward if you’re the hands-on type. Many guides and tutorials can help you make the transition without too much hassle. It’s an exciting time for gamers looking to step off the beaten path and explore new experiences in PC gaming.

For more detailed information about Bazzite and its capabilities, you can visit Bazzite’s official installation guide and check various user experiences about the Framework Desktop on social media platforms.

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