Can I Play Windows Games on Steam Deck? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is a resounding yes, you can play Windows games on Steam Deck, but it’s a little more nuanced than that. While the Steam Deck doesn’t natively run Windows, its Linux-based SteamOS is equipped with a powerful compatibility layer called Proton, developed by Valve. This clever piece of technology acts as a translator, allowing many Windows-based games to run seamlessly on the Steam Deck. Think of it as a magic key that unlocks a vast library of games. Let’s dive deeper into how this works, what to expect, and how to maximize your gaming experience.
How Does Proton Make Windows Games Playable on Steam Deck?
The heart of the Steam Deck’s compatibility lies within Proton. This isn’t just some simple emulator; it’s a sophisticated compatibility layer that translates Windows API calls into instructions that the Linux-based SteamOS can understand. Valve has been consistently updating and tuning Proton, striving to eliminate latency and ensure smooth performance. The result is that a large portion of Windows games – not just Steam games – can run on the Steam Deck, often without needing any manual configuration.
Furthermore, the Steam Deck’s AMD APU is specifically designed to handle the demands of gaming. While not a powerhouse that can rival high-end gaming PCs, it’s certainly robust enough to execute most games at 720p or 800p settings, which are perfectly suited for the Steam Deck’s display. This hardware synergy, combined with Proton, enables the Steam Deck to deliver a truly portable gaming experience.
Steam Deck Verified and Compatibility
It’s crucial to understand that not every Windows game will run perfectly on the Steam Deck. Valve categorizes games into different compatibility tiers:
- Steam Deck Verified: These games are fully optimized for the Steam Deck. They are guaranteed to run smoothly, with all features working as intended. This is the gold standard of compatibility.
- Playable: Games in this category can run on the Steam Deck, but might require some minor adjustments or might have minor issues. For instance, some text may be small, or the controller layout may not be ideal.
- Unsupported: These games won’t work properly on the Steam Deck without significant manual configuration, and sometimes not at all.
When browsing the Steam store, the Steam Deck compatibility icon is easily visible. Always be sure to check the compatibility rating before making a purchase if you plan to play it on the Steam Deck.
Remote Play: Streaming Your Games to the Steam Deck
Another way to play your entire PC game library on your Steam Deck is through Remote Play. This feature lets you stream games running on your PC to your Steam Deck over your local network. It’s great for playing games that might not be fully compatible with Proton or require more processing power than the Steam Deck provides natively.
To use Remote Play, both your gaming PC and Steam Deck must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Enable Remote Play in the Steam settings on your PC and ensure the Steam client is running on both devices. Then, your Steam Deck will detect your PC, and you can begin streaming. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy graphically intense games on the handheld without compromising on performance.
Installing Windows on Steam Deck
If you desire 100% compatibility with all Windows games or simply prefer the Windows operating system, you can install Windows 11 on your Steam Deck. This essentially transforms your Steam Deck into a fully functional PC. However, it’s essential to note that this is a multi-step, potentially challenging process that requires some technical know-how. If you proceed with installing Windows, SteamOS and Proton are no longer in control of how your games are run. Drivers and performance may not be the same as the native SteamOS.
How to Install Windows on Steam Deck:
- Prepare a bootable Windows USB drive.
- Access the Steam Deck’s BIOS settings.
- Change the boot order to boot from the USB drive.
- Follow the Windows installation prompts.
- Install necessary drivers to ensure all hardware components are working correctly.
Installing Windows can open up the possibility to play games outside of the Steam ecosystem, including the Xbox Game Pass. However, remember that this modification can be complex, and there are several videos and tutorials available that can help guide you through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I play non-Steam games on the Steam Deck?
Absolutely! The Steam Deck is built with an open-source OS, which allows you to add non-Steam titles to your library and run them using Proton. You can also install various game launchers like Epic Games, GOG, and more.
2. Can I play Xbox Game Pass games on the Steam Deck?
Yes, you can. The Steam Deck can run the Xbox app, allowing you to access and play all games available on Game Pass. This functionality also extends to cloud gaming via Xbox Cloud Gaming.
3. How do I play games from other launchers on the Steam Deck?
You can use applications like Lutris or Heroic Games Launcher to add games from other launchers to your Steam Deck. Once installed, these launchers allow you to install games from GOG, Epic Games, and others, enabling you to launch them directly from SteamOS.
4. Is it difficult to install Windows on the Steam Deck?
Yes, installing Windows on the Steam Deck involves a multi-step process that can be complex for novice users. You should have a good understanding of PC hardware and software to install the OS successfully.
5. What’s the battery life like on Steam Deck?
The Steam Deck’s battery life varies based on your settings and the games you are playing. You can expect anywhere from 2 to 8 hours on a single charge. Adjusting graphics settings can significantly impact battery life.
6. Can I upgrade the storage on my Steam Deck?
Yes, you can expand the storage using a microSD card. There are also guides available for replacing the internal SSD for more advanced users. The internal storage option are available in 64 GB, 256 GB and 512GB.
7. Can I watch streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ on my Steam Deck?
Yes! While Netflix and Disney+ don’t have native Linux clients, you can easily stream content through the web browser on the Steam Deck. You can even add the browser as a “non-Steam game” to launch streaming services from gaming mode.
8. Can I browse the internet on my Steam Deck?
Yes, you can, by using the Steam Deck’s Desktop Mode. This mode allows you to browse the internet, install applications, and run programs outside of the Steam client.
9. Can I connect my Steam Deck to a TV?
Yes, you can connect your Steam Deck to a TV using a USB-C to HDMI adapter or a USB-C dock with an HDMI port. This way you can enjoy your games on a larger screen.
10. Is it safe to play my Steam Deck while charging?
Yes, it’s completely safe. The Steam Deck will stop charging the battery once it’s full and will run directly from the power adapter to preserve battery health.
11. Can I play PS5 games on the Steam Deck?
Yes, you can use third-party applications like Chiaki4Deck to remotely play PS5 games on your Steam Deck. This option does require the PS5 to be on and connected to the same network.
12. Is there a Steam subscription service?
Steam does offer some games that are subscription-based. To manage or cancel any active subscriptions, head to the Account Details in your Steam client.
13. Is the Steam Deck better than the Nintendo Switch?
The Steam Deck has superior performance in terms of gaming capability compared to the Nintendo Switch. However, the Switch excels in terms of battery life, portability, and exclusive Nintendo titles.
14. Can the Steam Deck run cracked games?
No, Steam does not recognize cracked or pirated games. The games must be legitimately purchased through Steam or other compatible launchers.
15. Do I need Wi-Fi to play games on my Steam Deck?
You need an internet connection to download games and play online multiplayer titles. However, many single-player games can be played while offline once they are installed.
Conclusion
The ability to play Windows games on the Steam Deck is a significant advantage, thanks to the impressive Proton compatibility layer and the device’s robust hardware. Whether you choose to leverage Proton, utilize Remote Play, or even install Windows directly, the Steam Deck provides a wide array of options to enjoy your favorite games on the go. As long as you understand the compatibility of each title, you can unlock a vast catalog of gaming experiences on this versatile handheld PC.