Opera has announced a native Linux version of its gaming-focused Opera GX browser, targeting the growing community of Linux gamers. This move comes as Linux's market share on Steam holds steady above 3% for three months. The release is slated for the first quarter of 2026.
Opera, known for its customizable browsers, is expanding its gaming-oriented Opera GX to Linux, a platform seeing steady growth in gaming adoption. The announcement highlights Opera's response to the rising popularity of Linux among gamers, with the operating system's market share on Steam remaining over 3% for three consecutive months. This development arrives amid user frustrations with Windows, particularly Microsoft's integration of AI features like Copilot into tools such as File Explorer.
Opera GX, already popular on Windows and macOS, offers features tailored for gamers. These include GX Control, which allows users to limit the browser's CPU, RAM, and network bandwidth usage. The browser integrates Discord and Twitch directly into the sidebar, along with a music player supporting Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. Additional perks encompass GX Corner for updates on free game deals and release calendars, plus extensive customization options like themes, keyboard sound effects, Razer Chroma RGB integration, and community mods.
For Linux users, the native version is expected to work well with environments like GNOME and KDE, including gaming distributions such as Nobara Linux and Bazzite. Browser-based notifications and a battery saver mode should enhance usability, especially on laptops. However, Opera has not specified an exact release date within Q1 2026, though inquiries for more details are ongoing.
This commitment underscores the maturation of Linux gaming, potentially drawing more users away from dominant platforms and bolstering Opera's cross-platform appeal.
