Question: Would I still struggle to get games working on a desktop using Linux as I have in the past
Maybe.
The Linux side problems are long since fixed. Games developed with modern engines just work on Linux.
The vast majority of older “this is for Windows only and we fucking mean it” games work perfectly on Linux with Proton anyway. Some require 3 minutes with a search engine to pick a preferred version.
nVidia is still going to nVidia.
Weird DRM bullshit is still going to weird DRM bullshit.
would they work as well as on a Steam Deck, that doesn’t have to account for a variety of hardware differences?
Hell no. There’s a reason we love the SteamDeck so much, and want to see the Steam Machine return.
Almost every single person I have seen lately saying gaming on Linux is awesome now, is using a literal device designed for it.
Yes. It’s fucking amazing. Lol.
But what about my hardware? Is getting wrappers for nVidia drivers still a fucking PITA with a 50/50 chance of actually working correctly?
nVidia hasn’t improved, to the best of my “fuck those guys” knowledge. (Meaning I’m not the most informed since I carefully avoid their chips. Lol.)
But the entire SteamDeck costs less than most graphics chips. It’s not equivalent, but that’s where my “fuck it, life is short” energy currently is.
I’ve heard nice things about other graphics chip makers, but I’m waiting with my SteamDeck docked for a Steam Machine console, myself.
Maybe.
Hell no. There’s a reason we love the SteamDeck so much, and want to see the Steam Machine return.
Yes. It’s fucking amazing. Lol.
nVidia hasn’t improved, to the best of my “fuck those guys” knowledge. (Meaning I’m not the most informed since I carefully avoid their chips. Lol.)
But the entire SteamDeck costs less than most graphics chips. It’s not equivalent, but that’s where my “fuck it, life is short” energy currently is.
I’ve heard nice things about other graphics chip makers, but I’m waiting with my SteamDeck docked for a Steam Machine console, myself.