- A new Steamos plugin allows players to use loss -free scaling for better performance in play
- It has 2x, 3x and 4x frame generation options and works with most games
- Input delay and ghost is less noticeable compared to the previous decky frame -plugin
While we are awaiting the arrival of more powerful handhelds like ROG Xbox Ally and MSI Claw A8, there is a significant performance booster available to DAMPO’s handheld – and it breathes new life in portable play.
Available on GitHub via XXJSUNDERULOXX, a new decky loader plugin, ‘decky lossess scaling’, enables compatibility with Linux, allowing players to use framework generation via the loss -free scaling use on Steam.
This allows players to use framework generation, either through 2x, 3x or 4x (the amount of interpolated frames) frame generation to higher image speeds, where the latter essentially replicates NVIDIA’s multi framework generation.
To install (when loss -free scaling is installed via Steam), download the plugin zip folder, enable developer mode in Decky Loaders settings, then just hit ‘install plugin from ZIP’, find the folder in the library you placed it in and you are done.
It is not the first time frame generation has become available to Steamos as the DECKY Frame plugin replaces NVIDIA’s DLSS DLL file with AMD’s FSR 3.1 dll -and this was great as loss -free scaling would not work on Steamos. However, this was only available in games that support DLSS framework generation and it felt sluggish due to increased input delay.
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With Decky Lossess Scaling, the compatibility list of games is greater. I have tested this on my Asus Rog Ally using Bazzite (a Steamos clone) in Cyberpunk 2077At Stellar leavesand Resident Evil 4 Remake, and it is a breath of fresh air with image rates that easily hovers about 90 to 100 fps.
Performance is significantly improved, while mostly using 2x frame generation, especially when the image speeds are already high – and you will need to adjust graphics settings reasonably to achieve smoother gameplay.
It is worth noting that 3x and 4x frame generation is not very necessary (at least with the ASUS ROG Ally) as input delay becomes unbearable in titles. You can also change this on the go without having to restart your game, making it a very practical tool.
Analysis: Another reminder of why Windows 11 is not good at handheld
Despite the fact that loss -free scaling on steam is not free, this has revived my love for Asus Rog Ally. Tabless scaling has always been available on Windows, but I’ve avoided using it because of the constant errors with application windows when I try to get it started.
On Steamos / Bazzite this is not a problem as all you have to do is open the sidebar and change settings instead of closing the game window that you would have on Windows.
We also know that Windows 11 is not great for game performance where Steamos has a big boost in this region – which probably explains why I’ve had a better time using this plugin on Bazzite. For the first time I have been able to push Resident Evil 4 Remake over 50 FPS on ROG Ally and without major input delay.
Of course, it does not come without a ghost during a quick camera movement, but in my experience it is not too noticeable to spoil the visual joy. I can only imagine how big this will be for the steam deck, or even better (for those who can afford them), more powerful handhelds like MSI Claw 8 AI+.
