Bazzite 45 gaming Linux distro ships on Fedora 45 with updated OGC kernels

Bazzite 45 has been released as the latest version of the gaming-oriented Linux distribution, rebasing its foundation on Fedora 45. The update brings current desktop environment versions including GNOME 51.1 and KDE 6.8.2, addressing the interface layer for both default and alternative desktop users. Under the hood, the distribution updates its OGC (Open Gaming Core) kernels to versions 7.2.15 and 6.18.60, with specific mention of NVIDIA-related improvements in the kernel configuration.

Bazzite targets Steam Deck, desktop gaming PCs, and living-room console-style deployments, positioning itself as an alternative to SteamOS with broader hardware compatibility. The Fedora 45 rebase means users receive updated toolchain, library, and security foundations from upstream. The dual kernel tracks suggest continued support for both newer hardware enablement and a stable long-term branch.

Kernel and desktop environment changes in Bazzite 45

• Fedora 45 rebase: The entire distribution stack moves from a previous Fedora version to Fedora 45, pulling in updated glibc, systemd, compiler toolchain, and security patches from the upstream release.
• Desktop environments: Ships GNOME 51.1 as the default and KDE 6.8.2 as an alternative, keeping both major desktop stacks current for different user preferences.
• OGC kernel 7.2.15: The newer Open Gaming Core kernel branch receives a point release, likely carrying hardware enablement patches and gaming-specific optimizations.
• OGC kernel 6.18.60: A long-term support kernel branch is maintained at 6.18.60, providing stability for users who prioritize compatibility over bleeding-edge features.
• NVIDIA kernel support: The release notes explicitly call out NVIDIA in the kernel update context, indicating continued work on proprietary driver integration or nouveau improvements within the OGC kernel builds.

Why it matters

Bazzite's Fedora 45 rebase demonstrates the viability of Fedora Atomic-based gaming distributions as a sustainable alternative to Valve's SteamOS, particularly for non-Deck hardware like handhelds from Ayaneo, GPD, and Lenovo. The dual OGC kernel strategy lets users choose between stability and hardware enablement without manually compiling kernels, lowering the barrier for Linux gaming on diverse PC configurations. For the broader ecosystem, Bazzite's continued NVIDIA focus signals that proprietary graphics support remains a necessary engineering priority even as open-source drivers like NVK mature.