New benchmarks reveal SteamOS surpasses Windows 11 on Lenovo's handheld PC

SteamOS dramatically surpasses Windows 11 on Lenovo's Legion Go S handheld PC due to optimized game performance and streamlined operations.

: SteamOS, initially a lightweight Linux system, now powers modern gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck, outperforming Windows 11 on similar hardware. Recent benchmarks showed that SteamOS delivered smoother gameplay and higher frame rates than Windows 11 on Lenovo's Legion Go S handheld. Using Valve's Proton compatibility layer, it translated Windows game code to Linux instructions, enhancing performance and efficiency. Despite Windows' broader game compatibility, gaming enthusiasts may prefer SteamOS for its optimized, out-of-the-box experience and price advantages.

SteamOS, which originated as a Linux-based system for Valve's now-defunct Steam Machines, has evolved significantly and is now prominent in modern gaming handhelds. The latest benchmarks underpin its enhanced performance over Windows 11, specifically on Lenovo's new handheld, the Legion Go S. Ars Technica meticulously tested five demanding PC games, revealing that four out of five ran smoother and with higher frame rates on SteamOS compared to Windows 11. A notable instance involved playing Returnal at 1920×1200 on 'High' settings, where SteamOS maintained a consistent 33 FPS, whereas Windows 11 with official drivers could only handle 18 FPS.

Valve's Proton compatibility layer plays a crucial role in this performance advantage. It effectively translates Windows-compatible game code into Linux instructions, thereby allowing smoother operation on the SteamOS without sacrificing any gaming quality. Proton has seen numerous updates and optimizations over the years, leading to increased compatibility and efficiency for Windows games running on Linux-based systems. These enhancements form a considerable part of why SteamOS excels over Windows 11 in this handheld gaming setup.

While SteamOS has made significant strides in game performance, Windows retains a more extensive library of compatible games and is the operating system most game developers consider when designing PC hardware. This intrinsic compatibility leads to a broader range of games running better on Windows without any adjustments. However, for users of the $599 Lenovo Legion Go S, which can be bought with either SteamOS or Windows, the seamless performance out-of-the-box and cost-effectiveness of SteamOS might outweigh the broader game compatibility offered by Windows.

Ars Technica pointed out a caveat that can enhance Windows gaming performance: the manual installation of updated, unofficial AMD drivers. These drivers noticeably improved game performance on Windows, bringing it closer in some cases to what SteamOS offers. Nonetheless, even with this intervention, SteamOS still surpassed Windows. Therefore, for users not keen on tweaking their setups, SteamOS provides an attractive option.

The sustained improvements in SteamOS underline the commitment by Valve in advancing Linux gaming, transitioning it from an underdog status to a potent alternative for handheld gaming devices. Ars Technica's findings bolster the view that gaming enthusiasts open to embracing Linux might achieve more satisfying results without the need for system tweaks or additional performance modifications. This consideration forms a pivot point for gamers contemplating adopting SteamOS-driven handheld devices for their improved stability and streamlined focus on gaming performance.

Sources: TechSpot, Ars Technica

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