Even with the Proton compatibility layer, gaming performance increases by up to 30% compared to Windows 11.
Examples: Kingdom Come: Deliverance II in 17W mode delivers 47 fps on Windows 11 and 62 fps on SteamOS, a 30% increase. Hogwarts Legacy in the same mode - 50 fps versus 62 fps. In low-power 13W mode, the difference is smaller, but SteamOS remains more stable. Cyber Dopamine notes that SteamOS provides a smoother gaming experience with fewer dips.
Linux and SteamOS show better optimization for portable gaming PCs and make the ROG Xbox Ally X faster without Windows 11.