The PlayStation Plus store is an amazing tool to play many of your favorite past and present PlayStation games. With the Decky Loader program, Steam Deck users can play modern exclusives like Horizon Forbidden West and classic PlayStation Plus titles like The Legend of Dragoon or Wild Arms on the handheld device.

Thanks to the versatility of the Steam Deck and the NonSteamLauncher app created by modder Moraroy, users can now play non-Steam launchers and gaming services on Valve’s device. This guide will take you through the steps to get PS Plus running on your Steam Deck.

Dreamcast logo on Steam Deck
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Updated March 7, 2025 by Michael Llewellyn: A new requirement for the Decky Loader program is that it now requires a Sudo Password before installation. The Sudo Password grants users admin privileges to install third-party apps and more. This guide is updated to include the steps to create a Sudo Password before installing Decky Loader.

Install Decky Loader On The Steam Deck

Steam Deck - Download Decky Loader

To run programs like NonSteamLaunchers and more, you must install the Decky Loader program. Decky Loader gives users more control over their Steam Deck's performance, providing greater flexibility. This section will guide you through the Decky Loader installation process:

  • Press the Steam button.
  • Tap on the System menu.
  • Switch Developer Mode on.
  • Open the new Developer menu and s witch CEF Debugging on
  • Restart the Steam Deck.
  • After powering up the Steam Deck, press the Steam button.
  • Tap on Power and switch to Desktop Mode.
  • Install Google Chrome by clicking on the store icon on the bottom left of the screen. Google Chrome is required to run the PlayStation Plus Launcher.
  • Use the browser to open the GitHub page and download Decky Loader.

Create A Sudo Password

If you try and launch the Decky Loader installer, you'll get prompted to use your Sudo Password. To set one up, use the following steps:

  • In Desktop Mode, click the SteamOS icon, located at the bottom left of the taskbar.
  • Type Konsole in the search bar and open the app.
  • Type 'passwd'.
  • Type your new memorable password in the first box and confirm it in the second.
  • Run the Decky installer and type in your new password.
  • Double-click the Decky Loader icon in the Downloads folder, then type in your new Sudo Password and select the Recommended Install.
  • When the installation is finished, close all the windows and leave Desktop Mode by tapping the desktop's Return to Gaming Mode icon.

Activate The Testing Store

  • Press the QAM button underneath the right trackpad.
  • Open the new Decky Loader menu with a plugin icon.
  • Open the Settings menu represented by the cogwheel in Decky Loader.
  • Open the General menu.
Steam Deck - Switch Store Channel to Testing on Decky Loader
  • Click Change the Store Channel and set it to Testing.
  • Access the Store icon next to the Settings cogwheel.
  • You will now have access to the Testing Store.
  • Locate and install the NonSteamLaunchers app.

Install PlayStation Plus On The Steam Deck

PS Plus home screen on Steam Deck

With the NonSteamLaunchers app installed via the Decky Loader program, you can now install the PlayStation Plus Store on your Steam Deck and run it from the library in Gaming Mode. Use the following steps to install PS Plus:

  • Press the QAM button.
  • Reopen the Decky Loader menu.
  • Tap on the NonSteamLaunchers app.
  • Ensure Auto Scan Games is switched on.
  • Open the Game Launchers menu.
Installing PS Plus on Steam Deck
  • Switch PlayStation Plus and Separate Launcher Folders on.
  • Wait a few minutes for the installation to finish.

Accessing PS Plus

  • Press the Steam button.
  • Open the Library and access the Non-Steam tab.
  • Locate the new PlayStation Plus tab and open it.
  • Select Play.
  • Sign into your Sony PlayStation account.

Click the screen icon near your profile picture to activate the controller mode. It's advisable to use a PS4 or PS5 controller as several games utilize the touchpad.

Open a game of your choice and select Start. That’s everything needed to install Decky Loader and the PlayStation Plus launcher so it works from the Steam Deck’s Gaming Mode. It will only run games that are part of the PS Plus subscription, it won’t let you play your library of games if they aren't part of the service.

How To Add A PlayStation Controller To The Steam Deck

PS5 set up on via PS Plus on Steam Deck

The PS5 controllers connect to the Steam Deck via Bluetooth. It needs to be switched on via the handheld's settings. Use the following steps to connect a controller to the Steam Deck:

  • Press the Steam button.
  • Select Settings.
  • Then switch on Bluetooth and Show all devices.
Activating Bluetooth on Steam Deck
  • Then grab your PS5 controller and hold down the PlayStation button between the analog sticks and the share button to the left of the touchpad.
  • The PS5 controller will blink continuously to indicate it's in pairing mode.
  • The Steam Deck will detect the DualSense Wireless Controller. Click it and the PS controller will connect to your Steam Deck.
  • The controller will stay paired with your Steam Deck until you reconnect it to a PS5 console.
Activating controller mode via PS Plus on Steam Deck
  • Click the controller and screen icon in the top right corner to activate controller mode on PS Plus.

How To Fix Decky Loader After The Update

Decky Loader on the Steam Deck

The latest Steam Deck update may have broken the Decky Loader app and removed its plugins for your Steam Deck's Gaming Mode when pressing the QAM button. The following steps will show you how to get Decky Loader back into gaming mode and your preferred settings and previously installed plugins without starting again. These steps will also work with any future update for the Steam Deck if it happens again.

  • Open the Power menu by pressing the Steam button.
  • In the Power menu, switch to Desktop Mode.
  • Wait for the Steam Deck to restart in Desktop Mode, and reopen a browser.
  • In your preferred browser, go to the Decky Loader GitHub page and click the Download icon.
  • Run the installer and select Execute - Do not click Open.
  • The Installer will ask for your sudo password.

Either use a memorable sudo password or write it down and keep it in a safe place because you can't change the password without resetting your Steam Deck back to its factory settings.

  • Enter your password and wait for the installation to complete.
  • With the installation complete, power off the Steam Deck and restart in Gaming Mode.
  • In Gaming Mode, press the Quick Access Menu button to find your Decky Loader, plugins, and its settings have returned.
Image
Steam Deck Console
Steam Deck
Display card main info widget
Screen
7" diagonal 1280 x 800px (16:10 aspect ratio) 60Hz
Storage
64 GB - 512 GB
Display card main info widget end

Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info
CPU
AMD APU Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.0 and Dual-band Wi-Fi radio, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
Dimensions
298mm x 117mm x 49mm
Weight
Approx. 669 grams
Audio
Stereo with embedded DSP for an immersive listening experience and Dual Microphone Array