In a move blurring the lines between portable productivity and couch gaming, owners of Framework’s modular laptops are repurposing their devices as living room Steam Machines using Bazzite—a Linux-based operating system designed for console-like PC gaming. This DIY revolution leverages the laptop’s upgradeable hardware to create an open-source alternative to devices like the Steam Deck, all without sacrificing desktop functionality.
The Modular Magic
Framework’s ethos of repairability and customization makes it uniquely suited for this transformation. Users simply detach the laptop’s mainboard from its display, slot it into a Framework expansion bay (or third-party enclosure), and connect it to a TV via HDMI. Paired with a Bluetooth controller, the setup mimics a traditional console—but the real magic lies in the software.
Enter Bazzite: a Fedora Linux-based OS tailored for gaming. Pre-configured with Steam, Proton compatibility for Windows games, and NVIDIA/AMD driver support, it boots directly into Steam’s Big Picture Mode. The OS includes one-click optimizations for performance tweaks, low-latency audio, and even Windows app/game support via BoxKit. As Reddit user @TinkerTom_42 posted last week:
"My Framework 13 with Ryzen 7840U runs Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p/60fps on medium settings. It’s like a Steam Deck Pro—but I upgraded the RAM to 32GB myself."
Why Bazzite Beats Dual-Booting
Unlike dual-boot setups, Bazzite runs SteamOS-like features natively on any x86_64 device. Key advantages include:
- Immutable OS Core: Critical system files are locked, preventing update breaks.
- SteamOS UI: Console-style navigation and gamepad-first controls.
- Desktop Mode: Switch to a full GNOME desktop for web browsing or productivity.
- Framework-Specific Tweaks: Fan curves and power profiles optimized for Framework’s thermal design.
See Bazzite in action on a Framework setup:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUje8zzMUI8
This demo shows gameplay and the seamless transition between Steam’s console UI and desktop mode.
Community Momentum
The project gained traction after Bazzite’s lead developer, Jorge Castro, highlighted Framework compatibility in June 2025. Framework’s subreddit now hosts dozens of build guides, with users praising the OS’s resource efficiency:
"It uses 40% less RAM than Windows 11. My battery lasts two extra hours in desktop mode," notes GitHub contributor @LinuxGamerPro.
Critics highlight limitations—like occasional Proton compatibility hiccups with anti-cheat games—but Bazzite’s OTA updates rapidly address issues. For under $200 (minus peripherals), users effectively gain a Steam console while retaining their laptop’s core functionality.
The Bigger Picture
This trend underscores a growing demand for flexible, user-owned hardware. As Valve’s SteamOS remains exclusive to the Steam Deck, Bazzite democratizes the experience for tinkerers. Framework CEO Nirav Patel praised the community’s "ingenuity," hinting at future partnerships with Linux OS developers.
Meanwhile, companies like ASUS and Lenovo are rumored to be exploring similar modular designs. For now, though, Framework owners are leading the charge—one repurposed laptop at a time.
Ready to try it?
Bazzite’s ISO and installation guide are free at bazzite.gg. Framework mainboards start at $399 (DIY Edition).
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