Opera's gamer‑centric browser is coming to Steam Deck and Linux — raising questions about whether Windows is losing its grip on PC gaming

Opera GX, a gaming-focused web browser known for poking fun at rival browsers on X (formerly Twitter), is set to arrive on Linux this year.

Linux adoption has been steadily rising as frustration grows around Microsoft’s push to embed AI deeper into Windows. That shift has helped drive strong growth for several Linux distributions, including Zorin OS, which has now passed 2 million installations, with more than a third of new users coming from Windows.

Against that backdrop, Opera GX has confirmed via a post on X that it is actively working on a native Linux version of its browser, which, of course, will bring the browser to the Steam Deck. It marks yet another notable step forward for Linux gamers and power users alike.

What Linux users can realistically expect from Opera GX

For those unfamiliar with Opera GX, the browser offers a wide range of gaming-focused tools. These include the ability to manage RAM, CPU, and network usage, alongside built-in Discord and Twitch integration.

While it is clearly aimed at gamers, Opera GX still works well as an everyday browser. As someone who avoids Chrome and currently uses Edge, the increasing push around Copilot has me reconsidering that choice. A Linux version of Opera GX, or even a switch to something like Brave, is becoming a far more appealing option.

We may not have to wait long for Opera GX to land on Linux, as it has also announced a Q1 2026 release window for the browser.

The announcement arrived in typical Opera GX fashion, appearing as a quote repost of a post discussing Microsoft’s plans to integrate Copilot directly into File Explorer on Windows 11. It created a clear contrast with Microsoft’s direction for Windows, particularly as more AI features continue to be introduced across the operating system.

For decades, Microsoft’s OS has been the default home for PC gamers, but moves like this show momentum building elsewhere. Whether Linux becomes a true alternative or simply a niche with better tools, the message is clear: Windows’ monopoly on gaming attention is no longer absolute, and the cracks are starting to show.

Do you see Opera GX coming to Linux as a genuine sign of growing momentum for the platform, or is it still too early to call it a turning point? Share your thoughts by commenting and taking part in our poll below:

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