Armada, a Linux-based operating system for ARM gaming handhelds, has been released in preview build 20260926.
Armada is a SteamOS-inspired operating system built specifically for handheld devices like the Retroid Pocket and AYN Thor, bringing Steam’s Game Mode interface along with emulator and streaming support. It follows just over a week after preview build 20260915.
The highlight of this release is a significantly lower power consumption during sleep on SM8550, SM8650, and SM8750 devices (up to 50% less battery drain), alongside the new Armada Tools app and CLI, which bring SSH access, update channel selection, and OS repair features.
Power & Connectivity:
- Lower power consumption on SM8550/SM8650/SM8750 during sleep. Most devices should see around a 50% reduction in battery drain
- Improved Wi-Fi reconnection and WPA3 compatibility
New Tools:
- Armada Tools desktop app and CLI for device management, SSH access, update selection, and OS repair
Hardware Enhancements:
- Touchscreen sampling increased on Retroid Pocket 6 to 119 Hz
- Analog input responsiveness improved to 250 Hz on RSInput controllers
- Fixed USB DisplayPort detection and input freezes through hubs/docks
Gaming & Graphics:
- Fixed Quick Access Menu layering during hardware scanout
- Added FEX unaligned atomic emulation support
- EmuDeck dependencies added
Software Updates:
- Linux 7.2.6, Mesa 26.2.3, FEX 2609, Gamescope 3.16.29-ogc2
- New language support (Simplified Chinese, Brazilian/European Portuguese)
- Waydroid controller input restoration
New Device Support: MANGMI Pocket Max and MANGMI Air Y Pro (audio not yet functional)
Source: GitHub