In a notable surge, Bazzite, a gaming-oriented Linux distribution akin to SteamOS, has achieved a growth of 1.25 times within the last month, reaching approximately 50,000 weekly users. This increase reflects a growing interest in alternatives to Windows, particularly as Windows 10 approaches its end-of-life phase.
Launched to provide a console-like experience, Bazzite offers a streamlined interface by eliminating many of the more cumbersome aspects of Windows 11. The Linux distro has also reported significant data usage, having served over 2 petabytes of data and recorded around 780,000 downloads in a single month.
While Proton enables many Windows games to operate on Linux, some major titles, including Battlefield 6 and Apex Legends, remain inaccessible due to anti-cheat barriers. Despite being a niche product, Bazzite’s growth signifies a potential shift in the gaming landscape, especially as anticipation builds for Valve's upcoming SteamOS-powered Steam Machine, expected in early 2026.