Linux / Unix

The R36VX is a vertical gaming handheld available in four colour options. Equipped with a single joystick and a 4:3 display, the R36V should be powerful enough to emulate up to systems like the Nintendo 64 or the Sony PSP.

Raspberry Pi has transitioned its operating system to Debian 13 Trixie. Available to download from today for free globally, Raspberry Pi OS Trixie changes the Raspberry Pi OS experience in numerous areas from the company's most recent Bookworm release, including with several visual changes too.

The R36XX is a 3.5-inch vertical retro gaming handheld available in over half a dozen colour options. Many with translucent finishes, the R36XX rivals other popular solutions like the BatleXP G350, R36S and the Anbernic RG35XX series.

The openSUSE Project team is back with openSUSE Leap 16.0, a major update that sports a fresh software stack, a new installer, and simplified migration options. Additionally, it introduces "an unmatched maintenance- and security-support cycle," which promises annual minor releases until 2031, when Leap 16.6 is set to arrive.

The first Ubuntu Touch release based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is now available as version 24.04-1.0. The list of supported devices includes the Fairphone 3, Asus ZenFone Max Pro M1, Fairphone 4 and 5, Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL, Sony Xperia X, Xiaomi Redmi Note 9, and a few others.

In addition to moving from Chromium OS up to r138 (previously r132), FydeOS 21.0 comes with enhanced search filtering in the launcher app, a new rich content insert feature, improved screenshots, isolated web apps in kiosk mode, as well as multiple tweaks and fixes.

The BatleXP Flip is a clamshell handheld aimed at playing retro games up to and including titles from the Nintendo 64 and Sony PlayStation Portable catalogues. Available for under $75 in a choice of two colours, the BatleXP Flip is a dead-ringer for an Anbernic handheld, just like the BatleXP G350 before it.

Offensive Security's Debian-based distro is back, dropping ARMel support while offering a refreshed Nexmon wireless firmware package. Kali Linux 2025.3 also comes with 10 new tools, updated HashiCorp Packer and Vagrant VM apps, as well as multiple minor tweaks and fixes.

Based on Debian Trixie and targeting system integrators, SysLinuxOS 13 Mate includes a rich set of tools, such as Angry IP scanner, Etherscape, Putty, Zenmap, firewalk, Teams for Linux, Firefox, Chrome, and Edge, as well as docker-compose, amazon-ec2-net-utils, Balena Etcher, and much more. The kernel used is 6.16.8-1-liquorix-amd64.

At the new Steam Deck LCD price, it may enjoy a resurgence in popularity. The Valve gaming handheld boasts a seamless interface and supports a vast collection of Steam games. Its $319.20 sale price compares favorably to much more expensive Windows 11 alternatives like the ROG Xbox Ally.

At the end of last week, Opera One 122.0.5643.51 arrived with several changes in addition to the usual minor tweaks and fixes. Although the two new visual themes may not appeal to everyone, the redesigned History and the ability to manually skip video ads are features that most users should find valuable.

Based on Debian 13 and designed primarily for single-board computers such as the Raspberry Pi family, DietPi 9.17 comes with improved backups, a Roon Server early access toggle, as well as multiple minor bug fixes and tweaks. Alongside the aforementioned SBC lineup, it also works with Odroid, PINE64, Radxa, Allo, NanoPi, and more.

Ubuntu 25.10 "Questing Quokka" is one step closer to the masses thanks to a new beta release. Targeting multiple platforms and available in quite a few versions, as usual, this release includes the 6.17 Linux kernel and most features that will come with the final release, expected to arrive on October 9.

In its quest for delivering the ultimate customization capabilities, Vivaldi 7.6 for desktop arrives with a fully customizable tab bar alongside the Tab Button. Additionally, this update sports cleaner context menus, address field keyword search, ad blocker upgrades, faster switching to hibernated tabs, and more.

The XF40H is Game Console's latest attempt to dethrone the Powkiddy RGB30. Available for under $30 in some cases, the XF40H features hardware like a 4-inch and 720p display with a 1:1 aspect ratio, as well as a battery rated for 4,000 mAh.

Funnyplaying has updated the Retro Pixel Pocket with a more powerful chipset. At the same time, the Retro Pixel Pocket is cheaper than ever with a sub-$50 launch price.

Already available in Cinnamon, LXQt, MATE, and Xfce versions, Mauna Linux gets a GNOME edition as well. Labeled 25, the latest refresh of this Debian-based distro comes with the 6.12 LTS kernel, OnlyOffice 9.0.4, Firefox 142.0.1, and a generous set of firmware updates, as well as many under-the-hood tweaks and fixes.

What appears to be a Lenovo technical team just held an online question and answer session about the Legion Go 2 gaming handheld, and despite the hype surrounding the device, fans were left wanting, due to the lack of clarity about a shipping date and confirmation that SteamOS is not officially supported by the Legion Go 2. On the bright side, the team confirmed that Ryzen Z2 Extreme performance will improve.

The long-awaited Miyoo Mini Flip is moving closer to being released. First seen in the spring, the comparatively small clamshell gaming handheld has now been pictured in four launch colours before its impending global release.

A minimal and swift, yet gaming-ready distro, MocaccinoOS 25.09 comes with an upgraded kernel (6.12.45 LTS), Mesa 25.1.9, as well as version 570.181 of the Nvidia GPU driver package. Additionally, this version also comes with multiple performance enhancements, better hardware support, and several bug fixes.

The Nintendo Switch emulator Citron has received a long-overdue update. This release is said to be a "complete ground-up rewrite," and the devs are promising significant improvements and better emulation performance.

Atomic Heart has reached an all-time low price on Steam, thanks to a 70% discount. The shooter puts you at the heart of an alternate utopian timeline thrown off its course by a calamity and an underlying conspiracy. Atomic Heart has over 11,000 reviews on Steam, with an 80% positive overall review rating.

Since the MATE, Xfce, and Cinnamon Linux Mint 22.2 "Zara" editions come with the HWE kernel 6.14, all ended up facing the same issues. The list of problems includes a bug that affects systems with older Nvidia GPUs that use the 470 driver, but other nuisances have been discovered as well.

Debian-based Kamuriki Linux 4.00 is now available with a Windows classic-like interface and the Wine compatibility layer under the hood. The distro comes loaded with multiple useful tools for daily use and, despite only having a Japanese language website, features support for English and other languages as well.

Wooting has updated its best Hall effect gaming keyboard, the 80HE, with a slew of usability improvements in Wootility v5.1.0. The browser-based software now has support for debounce timing, to reduce any potential key chatter, and the RGB effects page has become much more usable.

The latest release of Xray_OS Linux, just like its predecessors, brings together an Arch base and a set of unique tools developed from scratch, such as the Tolitica Assistant, to deliver a fast and stable gaming-focused experience. This distro includes both curated PKGBUILDs and custom wallpapers.

Valve has completed the Steam Hardware and Software Survey for August 2025, and the results are a mix of expected and disappointing ­— the latter especially for Linux users hoping to grow the user base in order to gain more developer support.

With over 146 commits since the previous stable version, the build-it-yourself, CLI-only Linux From Scratch 12.4 guide is available for both the SysV init and systemd approaches. This project allows the user to create a minimal distro from source code (while offering information on adding a GUI) and has been around since late 1999.

The latest GhostBSD community spin, labeled 25.02-R14.3p2, comes with the latest FreeBSD improvements, such as improved hardware support and security, kernel enhancements, as well as up-to-date wireless networking support. This release also intros Gershwin, an OS X-inspired desktop environment.

The R39 Max is a new gaming handheld with a 1:1 and 720p IPS display. Seemingly an R36S Plus by another name, the R39 Max comes in multiple colours and should be powerful enough to emulate many classic systems including the extensive Game Boy back catalogue.

Available since yesterday, CachyOS 250824 is the sixth release of the year and arrives alongside the packages.cachyos.org package versions dashboard. The list of changes includes stability improvements and automated Btrfs boot environments, as well as an option to install the Niri window manager.

Iqunix has officially announced the Magi75 and Magi96 series, which are layout updates to one of the best mechanical keyboards we've reviewed. The Magi96 and Magi75 feature the same low-profile design, high-quality keycaps, and flexible Le-tray mount that made the Magi65 Pro stand out, but both have bigger batteries claiming up to 500 hours of use in wireless mode with no backlighting.

Zotac has re-branded its second Zotac Zone gaming handheld. Initially shown in January, the device now known as the Zotac Zone Pro is slated to launch this October running Linux with OLED display and dual trackpads but a comparatively small battery.

A YouTuber benchmarked AMD’s Radeon 9070 XT and Nvidia’s RTX 5080 across Windows 11 and Linux. Tests in more than 10 games show Linux gaming in 2025 coming surprisingly close to Windows performance.

Lossless Scaling is proving to be a massive upgrade for SteamOS-powered handhelds. The already powerful Ryzen Z1 Extreme in the Lenovo Legion Go S can now reportedly deliver almost twice the frame rate at the same wattage thanks to the plugin.

Raspberry Pi’s new 5-inch Touch Display 2 delivers the same 720 × 1280 resolution as the 7-inch version in a smaller, flush-mount design.

Celeste has been discounted on Steam by 75%, bringing the price down to just under $5. The 2D metroidvania features challenging platforming, excellent character-driven storytelling, and an award-winning score. In the seven years since Celeste launched, it has amassed an "Overwhelmingly Positive" review score from over 112,000 reviews.

The Keychron Q12 HE features a southpaw design, meaning it has a full num pad — with a wide zero key — and saves space for the mouse on the right side. It also features Keychron's excellent customisation suite and smooth Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Nebula Hall-effect switches.

PQShield expands post-quantum cryptography hardware with UltraPQ-Suite and PQPlatform-TrustSys, building on its 2024 NIST-approved silicon debut.

The latest snapshot of the upcoming Linux Mint 22.2 "Zara" release is now available with a revamped login page and a visually enhanced software management center. It also sports a new fingerprint authenticator, Fingwit. Among other changes, the Hypnotix IPTV app now sports two additional modes.

Stardew Valley is on sale on Steam for 30% off, bringing it to $10.49 — just shy of its best-ever sale price of $7.49. The cozy RPG offers you an open-ended adventure in a quaint town quietly facing off against an outside enemy threatening the lifestyle and livelihood of the town.

YouTuber ETA Prime tested the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 in the Framework Desktop with Bazzite OS, turning it into a near-Steam console. Horizon Zero Dawn and Cyberpunk 2077 ran smoothly with great thermals and minimal fan noise.

Once touted as a The Sims-killer, inZOI's popularity has tapered off, and Krafton is seemingly hoping to reinvigorate its life simulator with a new free FLC called Island Getaway. The free DLC will be available on 20 August, and it adds a new location and leisurely beach and resort activities to the game.

Gatekeeper recently exited Steam Early Access with its 1.0 launch and a Steam deal offering 35% off the new co-op roguelike. In the week since launch, the game has nearly doubled its player base and continued its positive review streak on Steam.

YouTuber ETA Prime tests the AIM MAX+ laptop running Bazzite, a Linux gaming distro, instead of Windows 11. Featuring the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and Radeon 8060S iGPU, the laptop seems to deliver strong gaming performance and is expected to launch in early October 2025 for under $1,000.

Debian 13 Trixie will introduce official support for 64-bit RISC-V CPUs along with 64-bit timekeeping to address the year 2038 clock overflow bug. Trixie continues Debian’s legacy of stability, security, and reliability in a free Linux-based OS.

A 2019 iMac with an Intel Core i5-7500 and Radeon RX 560X has been shown running modern games on SteamOS Holo 3.7.13. Priced at just $100 second-hand, the system delivered up to 60 FPS in Hades II and 90 FPS in Forza Horizon 5, with older titles crossing 100 FPS.

Powered by a Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, the Tuxedo InfinityBook Pro 15 Gen 10 is a brand-new Linux notebook promising top-notch performance. Even the base configuration comes with premium features like a 240 Hz QHD display and an exceptionally large 99 Wh battery.

Keychron's latest wireless mechanical keyboard launch is an all-aluminium design featuring a Black Myth Wukong theme, and it includes an artisan keycap and knob and a bunch of gold accent keycaps. It is launching on the Keychron site today for a starting price of $259.99 for the standard edition and $259.99 for the Deluxe Edition.