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Game Compatibility

The Playnix console runs a Linux distribution inspired by SteamOS and is designed to play the vast majority of games in the Steam library.

Game Compatibility

General Compatibility

What Works

✅ Most Steam Games - Thousands of titles are fully compatible

✅ Native Linux Games - Games built for Linux run natively

✅ Proton-Compatible Games - Windows games run through Proton

✅ Verified Games - Games tested and verified by Valve

✅ Indie Games - Most indie titles work perfectly

✅ AAA Titles - Many modern AAA games are supported

What Might Not Work

❌ Competitive Multiplayer with Anti-Cheat - Some anti-cheat systems aren't Linux-compatible

❌ Games Requiring Specific DRM - Certain DRM solutions may not work

❌ VR Titles - VR is not currently supported

❌ Some Older Games - May require community fixes

SteamOS Compatibility

Steam Deck Verified

Games marked as "Steam Deck Verified" are guaranteed to work on your Playnix console.

Steam Deck Verified Badge

To check if a game is verified:

  1. Open your Steam Library
  2. Select any game
  3. Look for the compatibility badge:
    • ✅ Verified - Fully compatible
    • ⚠️ Playable - Works with minor issues
    • ❌ Unsupported - Known issues
    • ⚪ Unknown - Not yet tested

Proton Compatibility Layer

Proton allows Windows games to run on Linux:

  • Automatically enabled for compatible games
  • No configuration needed
  • Seamless integration
  • Constantly improving through updates

What is Proton?

Proton is Valve's compatibility layer that translates Windows game calls to Linux, allowing thousands of Windows games to run on Linux without modification.

Checking Game Compatibility

In Your Steam Library

  1. Open Steam on your Playnix console
  2. Navigate to your library
  3. Select a game
  4. Check the game details page for:
    • "SteamOS" logo
    • Steam Deck compatibility badge
    • Community discussions

Using ProtonDB

For community-verified compatibility:

  1. Visit protondb.com
  2. Search for your game
  3. Check the rating:
    • Platinum: Works perfectly
    • Gold: Works after minor tweaks
    • Silver: Works with some issues
    • Bronze: Runs but not well
    • Borked: Doesn't work

Steam Store Pages

Before purchasing:

  • Look for the "SteamOS" icon on the store page
  • Check the "System Requirements" section
  • Read user reviews mentioning Steam Deck/Linux
  • Browse the Community Hub for compatibility reports

Anti-Cheat Compatibility

Why Some Games Don't Work

Many competitive multiplayer games use kernel-level anti-cheat systems that aren't compatible with Linux:

Currently Incompatible Anti-Cheat:

  • EasyAntiCheat (in some games)
  • BattlEye (in some games)
  • Vanguard (Riot Games)
  • FACEIT Anti-Cheat
  • Some proprietary systems

Linux-Compatible Anti-Cheat:

  • EasyAntiCheat (when developers enable Linux support)
  • BattlEye (when developers enable Linux support)
  • Valve Anti-Cheat (VAC)

Games with Known Anti-Cheat Issues

Common titles that may not work:

  • Destiny 2
  • Rainbow Six Siege
  • PUBG (varies)
  • Valorant
  • Fortnite (limited support)

Developer Choice

Many anti-cheat systems support Linux, but developers must enable it. Check current status before purchasing competitive multiplayer games.

Performance Compatibility

4K @ 60 FPS Target

The Playnix console targets 4K resolution at 60 FPS, but actual performance varies by game.

For optimization tips, see our Game Optimization Guide.

Controller Compatibility

Native Controller Support

Most modern games support controllers natively. The 8bitDo Controller works as:

  • Xbox controller (most common)
  • Generic gamepad
  • Steam Input device (most flexible)

Games Without Native Support

Steam Input can map keyboard/mouse controls to your controller:

  1. Launch the game
  2. Press Home to open overlay
  3. Select Controller Configuration
  4. Choose a community layout or create custom

Controller Configuration

Troubleshooting Incompatible Games

If a Game Won't Launch

  1. Check ProtonDB for known fixes
  2. Try different Proton versions:
    • Right-click game → Properties
    • Go to Compatibility
    • Select Force compatibility tool
    • Try different Proton versions
  3. Verify game files in Steam
  4. Check community forums

If a Game Runs Poorly

  • Lower graphics settings (see Optimization Guide)
  • Try an older Proton version
  • Disable shader pre-caching
  • Check for game-specific fixes on ProtonDB

If Multiplayer Doesn't Work

  • Verify the game doesn't use incompatible anti-cheat
  • Check if servers are Linux-compatible
  • Look for community workarounds
  • Consider contacting the developer

Expanding Compatibility

Community Fixes

Many games have community-created fixes:

  • Check ProtonDB for custom launch options
  • Visit game-specific forums and wikis
  • Look for Linux-specific guides
  • Join the Playnix community for shared fixes

Future Compatibility

Compatibility is constantly improving:

  • Proton Updates: Monthly improvements
  • Kernel Updates: Better hardware support
  • Developer Adoption: More studios enabling Linux support
  • Anti-Cheat: Ongoing negotiations for compatibility

Resources

Remember: The vast majority of single-player and co-op games work excellently on Playnix. Multiplayer competitive games may require checking compatibility before purchase.

For game optimization, see our Optimization Tips.