So far, I've not been particularly impressed by Playtron and PlaytronOS, but I'm always keen to see more Linux-based systems and devices do well especially when they do have developers who know what they're doing. Now we have another trickle of info coming in about it.
As a reminder: PlaytronOS announced back in March is a Linux-based system designed for gaming across handhelds, and they have plans to eventually be on laptops, PCs, TVs and so on.
The only hardware that's actually been announced to use it so far is the SuiPlay0x1, a weird looking web3 blockchain handheld. Not exactly something that's going to turn many heads towards them. To be fair to Playtron, they're not a hardware vendor, they're just making an OS based on Linux that anyone will be able to use. One that will support the Epic Games Store, GOG, Steam and more out of the box.
Until now we've not actually had all that much properly confirmed about it, which they're beginning to clean up and they've now posted a proper FAQ. Although it's only in their Discord right now so to save you joining yet-another-server here's what they've said:
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.Why should I install PlaytronOS?
Playtron is an optimized Linux-based gaming OS that allows you to play all of your favorite Epic Games Store, Good Old Games, Steam games, and more.
Improved game compatibility compared to other devices on the market.When will the pre-alpha launch of PlaytronOS come out?
Summer 2024.
Are there any Playtron devices coming out?
Yes. Many different devices with varying form factors, features, and price points will be coming out in 2025. One of the first devices will be the SuiPlay OX1.
When will the first Playtron device be launched?
We are aiming for the first half of 2025.
What operating system is PlaytronOS based on?
We are based on the Fedora Silverblue family of Atomic Desktop distros. PlaytronOS is not affiliated with the Fedora Project.
What version of Fedora is PlaytronOS based on?
The pre-alpha will be based on Fedora 40.
What are the system requirements for PlaytronOS?
We provide best-effort support on a wide range of devices. Here is a list of devices we have tested on:
*Aya Neo 2
ASUS ROG Ally
GPD Win 4 (2023)
Lenovo Legion Go
Valve Steam Deck LCD
Valve Steam Deck OLED*What are the minimum requirements for PlaytronOS?
CPU
x86
AMD Ryzen or Intel 6th Gen Kaby LakeGPU
AMD Navi
Intel Xe
NVIDIA TuringDoes Playtron run Linux games?
Currently, PlaytronOS only runs Windows games using Wine. Native Linux games will be supported in the future.
Is Playtron a hardware company?
No. We are a software company working closely with hardware OEMs.
Where is Playtron located?
Playtron is a registered company in California but employees are working remotely all across the globe.
What games will run on Playtron?
While thousands of games are already compatible with Playtron in its pre-alpha stage, our official game support program is currently under development and review.
What are the advantages of PlaytronOS over other operating systems?
Unified out-of-the-box experience for installing and playing games from the Epic Games Store, Good Old Games (GOG), and Steam.
What does Playtron have to do with Crypto?
Playtron is backed by a handful of crypto companies. If game developers believe blockchain features can improve their games, we are all for it. The use of these technologies from a user perspective will be optional.
What integration does Playtron have with Sui?
You'll be able to make purchases with your SUI wallet. Web2 and Web3 games will be available to download and play.
Will the pre-alpha launch include Arm support?
No. The pre-alpha will only support x86 CPU architecture.
How will Playtron deal with anti-cheat on Linux?
Playtron is working with interested partners to enable anti-cheat services.
Is PlaytronOS open source?
At first, only the operating system code will be open source. We have plans to open source more and release API documentation to allow developers in the community to contribute and build their solutions using Playtron.
How can I get in touch with Playtron?
For now, you can follow us over at @PLAYTR0N on X and our website, www.playtron.one, for more updates.
What about auto-mounting and formatting drives?
We've created a drive formatting tool in Playtron and will auto-mount devices for you. No need for desktop mode.
How can I contribute to PlaytronOS?
Stay tuned for more information on contributing to our project.
QuoteOne that will support the Epic Games Store, GOG, Steam and more out of the box.Weren't these the guys who said it'd support all anti-cheat-enabled stuff, whilst also including an AI-driven
QuoteDoes Playtron run Linux games?That's a really weird way of setting up a Linux distro...
Currently, PlaytronOS only runs Windows games using Wine. Native Linux games will be supported in the future.
QuoteWhat integration does Playtron have with Sui?For those who don't speak Marketroid or Buzzwordese, these are the sorts of games that "Web 2.0" and "Web 3.0" are all about.
You'll be able to make purchases with your SUI wallet. Web2 and Web3 games will be available to download and play.
QuoteHow will Playtron deal with anti-cheat on Linux?That's a change of tune!
Playtron is working with interested partners to enable anti-cheat services.
QuoteWhat about auto-mounting and formatting drives?Aw, but Desktop Mode is a really nice feature to have on a device like this.
We've created a drive formatting tool in Playtron and will auto-mount devices for you. No need for desktop mode.
QuotePlaytron is an optimized Linux-based gaming OS that allows you to play all of your favorite Epic Games Store, Good Old Games, Steam games, and more.
Weird to see them reference "Good Old Games". They haven't been called that for *checks watch* 12 years.
fenglengshun May 7
Quoting: PenglingAw, but Desktop Mode is a really nice feature to have on a device like this.AFAIK it is going to be based on Universal Blue's work, Bazzite was explicitly mentioned I think, so it should already have Desktop Mode.
Honestly, doesn't make any sense to start from scratch for these kind of projects. Bazzite was super transparent with how they do things - you can just clone their repo and you'd get a fully set-up pipeline for your own image-based Linux distro*
*custom image
Quoting: artixbtwHow does one manage to make a distribution that doesn't support native Linux games? That sounds like royal kludge.
While personally, I'm refraining from Proton, I don't find it too unreasonable from a device makers point of view. It's easier to just handle all games the same.
fenglengshun May 7
Quoting: artixbtwHow does one manage to make a distribution that doesn't support native Linux games? That sounds like royal kludge.Maybe it's that by default they won't allow execution of binaries beyond certain sources like Steam or Flatpak?
Alternatively, by "support" they meant in the service sense. In which case, that's understandable, given that updates can break games relying on older libraries and ABIs (see the glibc problem). Officially supporting Linux native games in that case would require an automated container setup so that they can be certain users would always have access to their games regardless of when they bought it.
QuotePlaytron is backed by a handful of crypto companies.
That is all you need to know to stay as far away from this as possible.
Although if they really are spouting some No-Desktop Mode, they must be either running everything through Steam as a Steam Shortcut, or they have GOG (Galaxy 2.0? Lutris? Bottles? No idea) and so on running through their own custom skin. In that case, if GOG is running via Wine, I guess that would be why native titles wouldn't work - Also, why would you buy a PC gaming handheld without a Desktop Mode!? It's one of the killer features of the Steam Deck!
Maybe they're running the Steam Client via Wine, dear God...
I'm not impressed that they are advertising support for the Epic Games Store at all, let alone above Steam. This sounds like a thinly-veiled crypto device, but time will tell I suppose.
Last edited by sonic2kk on 7 May 2024 at 4:14 pm UTC
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