[Testing Update] 2026-01-26 - Kernels, Mesa, Thunderbird, COSMIC, PipeWire, QEMU

2 weeks 3 days ago

Hello community, here we have another set of package updates.

Current Promotions Recent News KDE Plasma users with SDDM can now migrate to Plasma Login Manager (click for more details) NVIDIA 590 driver drops Pascal support (click for more details)
  • Manjaro 26.0 Anh-Linh released
  • Manjaro Summit public Alpha now available
  • As of Linux 5.4.302, the 5.4 series is now EOL (End Of Life). Please install 5.10 LTS (Long Term Support) or 5.15 LTS.
  • As of Linux 6.16.12, the 6.16 series is now EOL (End Of Life). Please install 6.18 stable and/or 6.12 LTS (Long Term Support).
  • As of Linux 6.17.13, the 6.17 series is now EOL (End Of Life). Please install 6.18 stable and/or 6.12 LTS (Long Term Support).
Previous News Finding information easier about Manjaro (click for more details) Notable Package Updates Additional Info Python 3.14 info (click for more details) Info about AUR packages (click for more details)

Get our latest daily developer images now from Github: Plasma, GNOME, XFCE. You can get the latest stable releases of Manjaro from CDN77.

Our current supported kernels

  • linux510 5.10.248
  • linux515 5.15.198
  • linux61 6.1.161
  • linux66 6.6.121
  • linux612 6.12.67
  • linux618 6.18.7
  • linux619 6.19.0-rc7
  • linux61-rt 6.1.158_rt58
  • linux66-rt 6.6.116_rt66
  • linux612-rt 6.12.66_rt15
  • linux617-rt 6.17.5_rt7

Package Changes (1/26/26 19:48 CET)

  • testing core x86_64: 29 new and 30 removed package(s)
  • testing extra x86_64: 1042 new and 1095 removed package(s)
  • testing multilib x86_64: 37 new and 37 removed package(s)

List of changes can be found here

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philm

Top Linux Gaming Distributions for 2026: Play Better on Open Source

3 weeks ago
by George Whittaker Introduction

Gaming on Linux has never been better. Thanks to advances in compatibility layers like Proton, drivers, and distro-level optimizations, Linux now supports thousands of games, from AAA titles to indie favorites, with performance that rivals Windows in many cases. As we head into 2026, certain Linux distributions have risen to the top as the most gamer-friendly, offering build-ins, drivers, and tooling that make playing on open-source systems smoother and more fun.

In this article, we’ll look at the best Linux gaming distros for 2026, what sets each one apart, and who they’re best suited for, whether you’re a seasoned Linux gamer or someone switching from Windows or macOS.

1. SteamOS (SteamOS 5 / “Holo”) Why It’s Great

SteamOS remains the top choice if games are your priority. Developed by Valve, SteamOS is designed specifically for gaming hardware and integrates tightly with:

  • Steam and Proton for Windows game compatibility

  • Controller-first navigation, perfect for living-room play

  • Competitive performance out of the box

  • Fast boot and automatic updates

SteamOS continues evolving with better hardware support, especially for handheld PCs and Steam Deck-style form factors.

Best For
  • Dedicated gaming PCs

  • Steam Deck and SteamOS handhelds

  • Users who want a console-like experience

2. Pop!_OS (Gaming Edition) Why It’s Great

Created by System76, Pop!_OS is known for a smooth performance-oriented desktop and excellent driver support. The Gaming Edition (or the gaming-optimized install profile) comes with:

  • Automatic NVIDIA and AMD driver detection

  • Integrated Proton and Steam packages

  • Built-in support for auto-tiling and hybrid graphics

  • Excellent keyboard/mouse + gamepad support

Pop!_OS also excels on laptops with hybrid GPUs because of its dedicated power profiles and intelligent GPU switching.

Best For
  • Desktop gamers who want a traditional desktop + gaming setup

  • Users with NVIDIA GPUs

  • Hybrid GPU laptops

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George Whittaker