Linux Boosts ROG Ally X: Higher FPS, Smoother Gaming

The ASUS ROG Ally X has captured significant attention since its release, quickly selling out in numerous markets. Initial feedback praised its hardware capabilities, positioning it as a formidable new contender in the handheld gaming space. However, after extended use, a recurring issue emerged: the Windows operating system appeared to be limiting the device’s true potential.

Many users reported that despite Microsoft’s efforts to streamline Windows for handheld use, the system came pre-loaded with unnecessary desktop applications such as Microsoft Teams. The overall interface felt awkward and cumbersome for a portable gaming device, leaving the impression of an incomplete user experience. This led a growing number of enthusiasts to explore an alternative: replacing Windows with a Linux-based operating system.

Enter Bazzite, a Linux distribution designed specifically for handheld gaming consoles, offering an experience similar to SteamOS. Tech reviewers ETA Prime and Cyber Dopamine took the initiative to install Bazzite on the ROG Ally X, and their findings reveal notable improvements. The installation process proved straightforward, and the system booted into a clean, controller-optimized interface right from the start.

One of Bazzite’s most significant advantages is the enhanced control it provides over system hardware. Users can easily adjust TDP limits, set GPU frequency caps, and create custom fan curves using built-in utilities. Even features still under active development, like RGB lighting control, are receiving regular updates from the Bazzite team, indicating rapid progress in support and functionality.

Cyber Dopamine conducted a series of performance tests, running the same games at identical power limits on both Bazzite and Windows. The results were compelling. For example, in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 at 1080p and 17W TDP, frame rates jumped from 47 FPS on Windows to 62 FPS on Bazzite. Similar gains were observed in Hogwarts Legacy, where performance improved from 50 FPS to 62 FPS under the same 17W power limit.

ETA Prime’s testing further demonstrated Bazzite’s capabilities, though his videos did not include direct Windows comparisons. He reported that Cyberpunk 2077 ran noticeably smoother on the Ally X than on the Steam Deck, averaging over 42 FPS at 15W. At 25W with FSR frame generation enabled, the game exceeded 80 FPS. Other titles like Spider-Man 2 and Mortal Kombat 1 also delivered stable, playable frame rates, confirming that Linux is fully capable of handling demanding AAA games.

Another area where Bazzite excels is sleep and resume functionality. The system wakes almost instantly from sleep, much like a Nintendo Switch. In contrast, Windows often experiences delays when resuming and has been known to drain battery power even while in sleep mode, a common frustration among portable device users.

Battery life between the two operating systems is generally comparable, though Bazzite can occasionally achieve slightly better power efficiency depending on the game. ETA Prime recorded approximately eight hours of gameplay with low-power 2D indie titles, around two and a half hours at 17W with AAA games, and roughly two hours at 25W. While total battery duration doesn’t see a dramatic increase, Bazzite often delivers more performance per watt, making it a more efficient option.

It’s increasingly evident that the primary weakness of the ROG Ally X lies not in its hardware, but in its software. The device often feels more like a compact laptop than a dedicated gaming handheld, undermining the plug-and-play simplicity that users expect. The initial setup process reinforces this, instead of diving straight into games, owners must navigate through Windows onboarding, followed by multiple updates for the Xbox app, Armoury Crate, firmware, and the Microsoft Store.

Microsoft’s recently introduced Full Screen Experience mode is a step toward a more console-like interface, but it remains incomplete. The desktop environment still intrudes, and as performance testing shows, Windows continues to impose a performance overhead compared to the leaner Bazzite system.

The experiments by ETA Prime and Cyber Dopamine highlight the untapped potential of the ROG Ally X hardware. With capable components held back by an ill-fitting operating system, there is a clear opportunity for Microsoft to refine the software experience. Bazzite serves as a compelling proof of concept, delivering faster frame rates, smoother gameplay, and near-instant resume features that already feel more tailored to handheld gaming than Windows.

As development continues, the ROG Ally X could eventually achieve the same level of polish and user-friendly operation found in Bazzite or SteamOS. For now, Linux offers a glimpse into what the device is truly capable of when freed from the constraints of a general-purpose operating system.

(Source: Windows Central)