PikaOS, a Debian-based Linux distribution, has released its latest version, 25.09.06, designed to provide an out-of-the-box gaming experience with exceptional ease of use and high compatibility. The distribution boasts a comprehensive set of features, including up-to-date drivers, a custom-tweaked kernel for unparalleled performance, and a fully automated setup process that eliminates manual configuration. PikaOS ships with custom-built GUI and CLI apps to make daily life easier, such as the Pika Welcome desktop environment configurator and the Pikman Update Manager update manager. The distribution is available in various editions, including GNOME, KDE, Hyprland, Niri, and NVIDIA-specific editions for Nvidia RTX cards and GTX 1650 or later.

PikaOS 25.09.06 is Now Available

PikaOS, a cutting-edge Linux distribution based on Debian, has released its latest version, 25.09.06, engineered to deliver exceptional ease of use and high compatibility.

What is PikaOS?

PikaOS is designed to provide an unbeatable out-of-the-box gaming experience, combining up-to-date drivers with a custom-tweaked kernel for unparalleled performance. The distribution is built on a Debian GNU/Linux base, which is complemented by cherry-picked and custom-compiled packages that ensure stability while keeping the system bang up to date.

Key Features

PikaOS boasts a comprehensive set of features that make it the perfect choice for gamers and enthusiasts alike:

1. Gaming Out of the Box: Seamless setup for pain-free Linux gaming from the start.
2. Excellent Performance: Up-to-date drivers combined with a custom-tweaked kernel for speed, optimized every package with O3, LTO, and avx2 for extra speed.
3. High Compatibility: Debian sid base with custom patches ensures broad software and hardware support.
4. Open Source: All code is available on the Gitea repository, promoting transparency and community involvement.

Everything is tuned for speed:

1. Custom performance kernel: A specially crafted kernel that optimizes system performance for gaming and other resource-intensive applications.
2. Compiler optimizations (O3, LTO, AVX2): Advanced compiler techniques are used to squeeze every last drop of performance from the system.
3. Up-to-date Mesa and Nvidia drivers: The latest graphics drivers ensure smooth gameplay and high frame rates.
4. Fully automated setup: PikaOS can get your system running in minutes, with a streamlined installation process that eliminates the need for manual configuration.

Custom tools:

PikaOS ships with a suite of custom-built GUI + CLI apps to make daily life easier:

1. Pika Welcome: Configure your desktop environment quickly and painlessly—no terminal needed (unless you want to).
2. Pikman Update Manager: A dual-mode (GUI + CLI) update manager for both APT and Flatpak.
3. Pika Kernel Manager: Easily view, install, or switch kernels.
4. Pika Device Manager: View hardware info and manage drivers (Mesa/Nvidia) with ease.

Getting Started

Individuals ready to experience PikaOS can download their preferred version now:

Editions

• GNOME Edition: A beautiful and user-friendly desktop environment perfect for everyday use.
  • Standard ISO
  • NVIDIA ISO (for Nvidia RTX cards and GTX 1650 or later)
• KDE Edition: A feature-rich desktop environment ideal for power users.
  • Standard ISO
  • NVIDIA ISO (for Nvidia RTX cards and GTX 1650 or later)
• Hyprland Edition: A highly customizable desktop environment perfect for enthusiasts.
  • Standard ISO
  • NVIDIA ISO (for Nvidia RTX cards and GTX 1650 or later)
• Niri Edition: A lightweight and efficient desktop environment ideal for low-end hardware.
  • Standard ISO
  • NVIDIA ISO (for Nvidia RTX cards and GTX 1650 or later)

More Information

For more information, visit the PikaOS Wiki as well as the  PikaOS Changelogs.