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Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to common questions about your Playnix console.

General Questions

What is Playnix?

Playnix is a gaming console designed to bring your Steam library to your living room. It runs a SteamOS inspired Linux distro and is optimized for 4K gaming at 60 FPS.

Is Playnix affiliated with Valve?

No. While Playnix integrates with Steam, we are not affiliated with Valve Corporation in any capacity.

What operating system does Playnix use?

Playnix uses PlaynixOS, which is a Linux distribution based on Arch Linux.

Do I need a Steam account?

Yes, a Steam account is required to use the Playnix console, as it's the primary platform for game access and management.

Can I create a Steam account on the console?

Yes! You can create a new Steam account during the initial setup process, or beforehand at store.steampowered.com.

Hardware Questions

What's included in the box?

  • Playnix console
  • 8bitDo Controller Ultimate 2
  • Power adapter
  • HDMI cable

Can I expand the storage?

Yes! The console has an NVMe M.2 slot for storage expansion. See our Expanding Storage Guide for details.

What size SSD can I install?

  • Form Factor: M.2 2280
  • Interface: NVMe PCIe Gen 3 or 4
  • Capacity: 256GB minimum, up to 2TB+ supported

Does it support VR?

No, VR is not currently supported on the Playnix console.

What TV/monitor do I need?

Any TV or monitor with an HDMI input will work. For best experience:

  • 1080p (Full HD) or 4K (Ultra HD) display
  • 60Hz refresh rate minimum
  • HDMI 2.0 or newer

Gaming Questions

What games can I play?

You can play most Steam games. See our Game Compatibility Guide for details.

  • ✅ Single-player games - Almost all work
  • ✅ Co-op games - Most work perfectly
  • ⚠️ Competitive multiplayer - Check anti-cheat compatibility

How do I know if a game will work?

Look for games marked as "Steam Deck Verified" or "SteamOS Compatible" - these are guaranteed to work on Playnix.

You can also check ProtonDB.com for community compatibility reports.

Why don't some multiplayer games work?

Some competitive games use kernel-level anti-cheat systems that aren't compatible with Linux. This is outside of Playnix's control and depends on game developers enabling Linux support.

Can I play games from other stores?

Currently, only Steam is officially supported. Other stores may work through Desktop Mode (unsupported).

Do my save games transfer from PC?

Yes! Steam Cloud automatically syncs your save games across all devices. See Save Game Sync for details.

Can I play offline?

Yes, you can play your downloaded games offline. Some features (like multiplayer, achievements, cloud saves) require an internet connection.

Controller Questions

How long does the controller battery last?

Up to 30 hours on a single charge under normal use.

Can I use other controllers?

Yes! The console supports:

  • Most USB controllers
  • Bluetooth controllers
  • Xbox controllers
  • PlayStation controllers
  • Other 8bitDo controllers

How do I charge the controller?

Connect a USB-C cable from the controller to the console or any USB power source (5V/1A minimum).

Performance Questions

My game is running slowly, what should I do?

  1. Enable FSR or XeSS (AI upscaling)
  2. Lower graphics preset (Ultra → High → Medium)
  3. Check for overheating (ensure good ventilation)
  4. See our Optimization Guide

Can I play at 1080p for better performance?

Yes! You can change resolution in Settings → Display. Lower resolutions improve performance significantly.

Does it support 120Hz displays?

Check current system capabilities. Most gaming focuses on 4K @ 60 FPS or 1080p @ 120 FPS for competitive games.

Software & Updates

How do updates work?

The system automatically downloads and installs updates during boot. See Automatic Updates for details.

Why does my console take longer to start sometimes?

It's installing system updates! This is normal and ensures your console has the latest features and security patches.

Can I disable automatic updates?

No, automatic updates are mandatory for security and stability. They occur during boot and typically complete in 1-5 minutes.

Features Questions

What is Game Suspend?

Game Suspend lets you pause your game instantly and resume exactly where you left off, even days later. Press the power button to suspend, press again to resume.

See Game Suspend Guide for details.

How does cloud save work?

Steam Cloud automatically backs up your game saves and syncs them across all your devices. No setup required!

Can I use mods?

Yes, Steam Workshop mods work automatically. Other mods may work through Desktop Mode (unsupported).

Can I stream to other devices?

Yes, you can use Steam Link to stream from your Playnix to other devices on your network.

Maintenance & Care

How do I clean my console?

  • Power off and unplug
  • Use soft, dry microfiber cloth
  • Never use harsh chemicals or excessive water
  • See Console Care Guide for PLA-specific care

Why does the case material matter?

The case is made from PLA (3D-printed biodegradable plastic), which is sensitive to:

  • Heat (above 50°C)
  • Direct sunlight
  • Harsh chemicals

Proper care ensures longevity. See Console Care.

How hot should the console get?

The console will warm during use, which is normal. Ensure:

  • Adequate ventilation (10cm clearance on all sides)
  • Not placed in enclosed spaces
  • Away from heat sources
  • Not covered during operation

How often should I update games?

Steam automatically updates your games. You can configure update settings in Steam → Settings → Downloads.

Technical Questions

What is Proton?

Proton is Valve's compatibility layer that allows Windows games to run on Linux. It's built into Steam and works automatically.

What is Desktop Mode?

Desktop Mode gives access to a full Linux desktop environment for advanced users. Requires keyboard and mouse. See Desktop Mode Guide.

Unsupported Feature

Desktop Mode is provided as-is with no official support.

Can I install Linux software?

Advanced users can install additional software through Desktop Mode. This is unsupported and at your own risk.

What is jailbreaking?

Jailbreaking unlocks access to unrestricted Arch Linux repositories. It's completely unsupported, risky, and voids software warranty. See Jailbreak Guide.

Troubleshooting Questions

My console won't turn on, what do I do?

  1. Check power adapter connections
  2. Try different power outlet
  3. Unplug for 30 seconds, reconnect
  4. If still not working, contact support

See Troubleshooting Guide for more.

I have no display on my TV

  1. Check HDMI cable connections
  2. Verify correct HDMI input on TV
  3. Try different HDMI cable
  4. Try different HDMI port

See Troubleshooting Guide.

My controller won't connect

  1. Press and hold Home button for 2 seconds
  2. Ensure controller is charged
  3. Move closer to console

See Troubleshooting Guide.

Where can I get help?

Warranty & Support

What does the warranty cover?

  • Manufacturing defects
  • Hardware failures under normal use
  • Defective included accessories

What doesn't the warranty cover?

  • Physical damage from drops or impacts
  • Damage from improper care (heat, water, chemicals)
  • Modifications or unauthorized repairs
  • Desktop Mode or jailbreak issues
  • User-caused software problems

How long is the warranty?

Standard warranty is 2 year from date of purchase. Check your purchase documentation for specific terms.

Community & Resources

Where can I find game-specific settings?

Visit our Knowledge Base at kb.playnix.io for recommended settings for popular games.

Can I contribute to the community?

Yes! Share your:

  • Game optimization settings
  • Troubleshooting solutions
  • Tips and tricks
  • Feedback and suggestions

Still Have Questions?

If your question isn't answered here:

  1. Check our Troubleshooting Guide
  2. Visit kb.playnix.io
  3. Open an issue support.playnix.io

Happy Gaming! 🎮