Does Steamdeck "bother" with Linux versions?

[zBeeble]

So... simple question... but not obvious ... does steamdeck "bother" with linux versions of games (as applicable)?

[@R+5]

its may be a simple question, but what do you mean?

do you want to use a different distro (aka "distribution", which means also "another os flavor")? if thats the case, you can try it, but steam os is optimized to work with the controller and buttons of the deck. installing a different version of linux will force you to search, and maybe not find the right files to use all the options of the deck.

i dont get what you mean with "linux vesions of games (as applicable)" could you offer more details?

[Marlock]

The Deck does use linux native versions of games when they're available

The exception, unlike with steam on a normal linux PC, is Deck Verified games where the verified label was achieved by the proton version, not the native linux one

[Dr. Snickity]

The Verified program will choose whichever version of the game runs best/is preferred by the developer, whether its the native Linux version or the Windows version via Proton.

"If my game has a native Linux version and is selected for review heuristically, will the compatibility review take place on the Linux build or under Proton?

By default, we will test a Linux build if one is available. If the Linux build fails compatibility tests or otherwise experiences significant issues, we'll then test the Windows build of your game running under Proton. Our goal is for customers to have the smoothest experience possible on Deck, so we'll submit whichever set of test results is more favorable."

If you need a source ^

https://partner.steamgames.com/doc/steamdeck/compat#7