If you have ever wanted to turn your PC into a gaming console that can be controlled with a controller for gaming, an operating system for this purpose has emerged. ChimeraOS promises an intuitive solution for that. Let’s check out how it works.
Gaming on PC
PC gaming is the ultimate way of consuming games – the more expensive hardware you have, the better your gaming experience will be. However, some things in the gaming domain are inherently simpler on consoles.
For example, consoles do not require special adjustments, installing dozens of game launchers, etc. In other words, there are no hassles and processes before gaming – you simply turn on the gaming device and start the game you want. On a PC, it’s not always that simple because before you can start the game, you first have to check if your hardware is good enough to run it, do you have the latest version of the graphic card driver, if the system compatible, is the launcher up to date and so on.
ChimeraOs
Wouldn’t it be nice if PC gaming could retain its flexibility while providing a more direct gaming experience? Well, something like that has been brewing for some time now, on the Linux scene. Since the release of the successful SteamDeck and it’s SteamOS 3.0 (based on Linux), there have been more and more projects aimed at turning a PC into a console, at least in terms of interface interaction. One such project is ChimeraOS, an operating system that is one of the more popular ArchLinux distributions.
The system has native support for a wide range of controllers, supports most games from Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG launchers, and uses the integrated Gamescope tool, for which Windows currently has no free alternative, at the system level, allowing various things such as limiting frame rate, applying FSR 1.0 to all games, limiting processor, etc.
Most importantly, ChimeraOS allows you to use your PC in combination with a controller without the need to connect a keyboard and mouse. It is, of course, possible to do this through Windows, but it requires a lot of configuration and work, while here the whole thing works immediately after the first installation. And yes, all updates are silent in the background and won’t interrupt your gaming, as often happens with Windows system updates.
Of course, since this is still Linux, some games are not supported, and most of them are run through Proton, an additional layer that “translates” Windows versions of games for Linux, so performance is sometimes slightly worse than on Windows. If you have powerful hardware, you shouldn’t even notice it, but it’s worth noting that playing on Linux still means giving up some things, such as functional support for raytracing.
If ChimeraOS has piqued your interest, the whole thing is free and can be downloaded from the official website.
Mobile Gaming on PC – Anbox
On the other hand, if you want to run mobile Android games on your PC, there is a snap package called Anbox, the Android box. Since ChimeraOs runs on ArchLinux distribution, and Anbox snap packet Anbox snap packet is compatible with Arch Linux, you would be able to run your mobile games too.
Anbox uses containers to separate the Android system from the host operation system, so it allows you to run Android games natively. This can come in handy, especially for FPS and TPS games that are hard to play on mobile. You can play mobile-only titles such as MLBB, PUBG Mobile, Garena Free Fire, and Call of Duty Mobile directly from your PC. The best thing is, you can choose the controlling device between a joystick or mouse and keyboard, and adjust it to your needs. So, if you have an old mobile phone and the games are laggy, this is definitely an option to consider.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re a PC gamer who desires the simplicity and convenience of a console, ChimeraOS offers a promising solution. With native support for a variety of controllers and an integrated tool for system-level adjustments, ChimeraOS provides a more direct gaming experience while retaining the flexibility of PC gaming.
Furthermore, the operating system allows you to use your PC with a controller without the need for a keyboard and mouse, and updates are silent in the background, avoiding interruptions to your gaming. While some games may not be supported, ChimeraOS remains a viable option for gamers looking to streamline their gaming experience.
And for those interested in playing mobile games on their PC, Anbox offers a separate solution, allowing users to run Android games natively and choose their preferred controlling device. Overall, these solutions provide a convenient and customizable way for gamers to enjoy their favorite titles without the hassles that come with traditional PC gaming.
