Bazzite 44 for handhelds drops HHD for InputPlumber but breaks gyro on Legion Go

The Bazzite team has officially released version 44 of their gaming-focused immutable Linux distribution, now stable for handheld gaming devices. The update targets portable consoles from Lenovo, ASUS, MSI, Ayaneo, and others, bringing a significant change in how input and controller remapping are handled.

Bazzite 44 moves away from Handheld Daemon (HHD) for input remapping and controller handling. The distribution now relies on InputPlumber for controller support, emulation, and button remapping. Other HHD features, such as TDP (thermal design power) control, are managed through SteamOS-Manager or PowerStation for devices that do not support SteamOS-Manager.

However, the transition comes with temporary drawbacks. For the Lenovo Legion Go, there is currently no way to control TDP in desktop mode. Additionally, the Legion Go loses gyroscope support until an update is shipped to fix that issue. Some DeckyLoader plugins that were temporarily incompatible with the new release are also being addressed by the developers.

The release of Bazzite 44 for handhelds was delayed by about a month after the initial Fedora 44 launch. In late April, the team announced that further development work was needed before the handheld version could go stable. Now, the distribution is available for installation on a wide range of portable gaming systems, including the ASUS ROG Ally, MSI Claw, and various Ayaneo models.

The update is based on Fedora Silverblue and inherits its immutable design, meaning the system root is read-only, which improves stability and security. Bazzite 44 also includes the latest gaming-related packages and drivers, ensuring compatibility with modern titles and hardware. The switch to InputPlumber aims to provide a more consistent and reliable input experience across different handheld devices, though the initial rollout shows that some device-specific features require further refinement.