Hey there, Linux gamers! Want to get your hands on Opera GX, the browser built specifically for gaming? You've come to the right place. While Opera GX isn't officially available for Linux, there's a workaround using Snap that makes it super easy to install. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, so you can start enjoying Opera GX on your Linux system in no time.

Why Opera GX for Linux (Even Though It's a Snap)?

Okay, so Opera GX wasn't initially designed for Linux, but here's why you might want to go the Snap route: First and foremost, Opera GX is packed with features that gamers will love. The GX Control feature lets you limit how much RAM and CPU the browser uses, preventing it from hogging resources while you're gaming. This ensures smoother gameplay. Secondly, its Twitch integration, which allows you to follow your favorite streamers directly from the sidebar. Furthermore, Opera GX includes a built-in ad blocker, VPN, and a customizable interface that lets you personalize the browser to match your gaming setup. Plus, with regular updates through Snap, you'll always have the latest features and security patches. While it's not a native installation, the Snap package provides a convenient way to experience Opera GX on your Linux machine, bringing a unique and gamer-centric browsing experience to your desktop.

Prerequisites

Before we dive in, make sure you have Snap installed on your Linux system. Most modern distributions come with Snap pre-installed. If not, here's how to get it:

• Ubuntu: Snap is usually pre-installed. If it's not, open a terminal and run: sudo apt update followed by sudo apt install snapd.
• Other Distributions: Check your distribution's documentation for specific instructions on installing Snap. Generally, you'll find Snap packages in your distribution's repositories.

Once Snap is installed, you're ready to proceed.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Let's get Opera GX up and running! Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Open Your Terminal

This is your command center! You'll be typing commands here to install Opera GX.

Step 2: Install Opera GX via Snap

Type the following command into your terminal and press Enter:

sudo snap install opera-gx

You'll be prompted for your password. Enter it and press Enter. Snap will then download and install Opera GX.

Step 3: Launch Opera GX

Once the installation is complete, you can launch Opera GX in a few ways:

• From the Terminal: Type opera-gx and press Enter.
• From Your Application Menu: Look for the Opera GX icon in your desktop environment's application menu. It's usually under the "Internet" or "Applications" category.

Congratulations! Opera GX is now installed and ready to use on your Linux system.

Configuring Opera GX (Optional)

Now that you've got Opera GX installed, let's tweak it to make it your own. Opera GX comes with a ton of customization options, from themes to performance settings.

GX Control: Tame Your Resources

This is where Opera GX shines! GX Control lets you limit how much CPU and RAM the browser uses. To access it, look for the GX Control icon in the sidebar (it looks like a speedometer). From here, you can set limits for CPU usage, RAM usage, and even network bandwidth.

• CPU Limiter: Drag the slider to set the maximum percentage of CPU that Opera GX can use. This is great for preventing the browser from slowing down your system while you're gaming.
• RAM Limiter: Set the maximum amount of RAM that Opera GX can use. This is especially useful if you have limited RAM.
• Network Limiter: Limit the browser's download and upload speeds. This can be handy if you're streaming or playing online games and want to prioritize your network connection.

Themes and Customization: Make It Yours

Opera GX lets you personalize the look and feel of the browser. You can choose from a variety of pre-installed themes or create your own.

• Themes: To change the theme, go to Settings > Basic > Theme. You can choose from a selection of dark and light themes, or download more themes from the Opera Add-ons store.
• Accent Colors: Customize the accent colors of the browser to match your gaming setup. You can choose from a palette of colors or enter a custom hex code.
• Background Wallpaper: Set a custom background wallpaper for the start page. You can use an image from your computer or choose from a selection of wallpapers.

Twitch Integration: Never Miss a Stream

Opera GX has built-in Twitch integration, making it easy to follow your favorite streamers. To enable Twitch integration, click on the Twitch icon in the sidebar and log in to your Twitch account. You'll then see a list of the streamers you follow, and you can watch their streams directly from the browser.

Ad Blocker and VPN: Browse with Peace of Mind

Opera GX includes a built-in ad blocker and VPN, which help protect your privacy and security online.

• Ad Blocker: To enable the ad blocker, go to Settings > Basic > Block ads. You can also add custom filter lists to block specific types of ads.
• VPN: To enable the VPN, go to Settings > Basic > VPN. The VPN encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, protecting your privacy online. Keep in mind that the built-in VPN is a basic VPN and may not be as secure or reliable as a dedicated VPN service.

Troubleshooting

While the Snap installation process is generally straightforward, you might encounter some issues. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

• Opera GX Fails to Launch: If Opera GX fails to launch after installation, try restarting your system. If that doesn't work, try reinstalling Opera GX using Snap.
• Snap Issues: If you're having problems with Snap itself, make sure it's up to date. You can update Snap by running sudo snap refresh in the terminal.
• Performance Issues: If Opera GX is running slowly, try reducing the CPU and RAM limits in GX Control. You can also try disabling some of the browser's features, such as the ad blocker and VPN.

Uninstalling Opera GX

If you decide you no longer want Opera GX on your system, you can easily uninstall it using Snap. Open a terminal and run the following command:

sudo snap remove opera-gx

This will remove Opera GX from your system.

Conclusion

There you have it, gamers! You've successfully installed Opera GX on your Linux system using Snap. Now you can enjoy all the features and customization options that Opera GX has to offer. Remember to tweak the settings to optimize performance and personalize the browser to match your gaming setup. Happy gaming, and happy browsing!