Bazzite just added Valve's VRAM patches to its stable branch

The Bazzite Linux distribution updated its stable branch for June 2026. The update brings Kernel 7.0.9 and Valve's VRAM patch set to all users. The release is live now according to the Bazzite forums. It also includes updated graphics drivers and several Xbox controller fixes.

Bazzite is a custom Fedora-based operating system built for PC gaming. It uses an atomic update model. This means the core operating system is read-only, and updates are applied as single, complete images rather than individual packages. If an update breaks the system, users can simply reboot into the previous working version. This stability makes it a popular SteamOS alternative for desktop PCs and third-party handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally.

Valve's VRAM patch set addresses memory management issues in Linux gaming. Running Windows games through the Proton compatibility layer translates DirectX calls into Vulkan. This process can sometimes lead to inefficient video memory allocation or fragmentation compared to a native Windows environment. Valve's kernel patches change how the system handles paging and memory eviction. This directly reduces stuttering in demanding games. The Bazzite team got these patches working on both the KDE Plasma and GNOME desktop environments. SteamOS defaults to KDE. Getting parity on GNOME gives desktop users more flexibility without sacrificing performance.

Mesa 26.1 handles the AMD handhelds

The update bundles Mesa 26.1 and the Nvidia-open 610 drivers. Mesa is the open-source graphics driver stack that powers AMD and Intel GPUs. Almost every PC gaming handheld on the market uses an AMD APU. Keeping Mesa current is mandatory for game compatibility and performance on those devices.

Desktop players with Nvidia cards get the open 610 drivers. Nvidia has spent the last few years transitioning its proprietary Linux drivers to an open-source kernel module. The 610 release continues that stabilization process.

Bazaar bumps up to version 0.8.1. This is the distribution's built-in tool for managing game launchers and system tweaks. The development team also implemented various fixes for Xbox controllers to ensure proper mapping and connection stability.

Testing images will break your Deck

The developers are currently working on new images for the Steam Deck. These builds are strictly in the testing phase. The team warned users to avoid the testing branch unless they are willing to deal with breaking bugs. Those improvements will move to the stable branch once the major issues are resolved.

Prepping for the Legion GO 2

The roadmap for the near future includes a rebuilt desktop updater and a new rebasing application. Steam Deck users will also get the OpengamepadUI overlay. This is an open-source, gamepad-friendly interface that provides an alternative to Steam's Big Picture mode.

Bazzite is also preparing improved support for upcoming hardware like the Legion GO 2. Lenovo's second-generation handheld will need custom operating system tweaks to handle its controller detachments and screen orientation, just like the original model did. Kernel 7.0.11 is already scheduled to hit the stable branch soon with additional patches.