More than a year on from the release of Valve's handheld PC, the Steam Deck has seen its users really getting to grips with what it's capable of. Thanks to the desktop mode option allowing users to easily download and configure a wide variety of first and third-party applications, the possibilities of what's capable on Valve's Linux-based Steam OS are endless.
The Steam Deck can fill a number of roles from a quick pick-up and play console to being a main desktop PC. But new users of the handheld will find that certain things are less obvious than others when configuring the Deck.
7 Custom Intros
As part of a recent update to the Steam Deck, Valve created and added a number of different startup animations to Steam's Points Shop. While these startup animations are great, users may be after something a bit different thematically. If so, the Linux Flatpak application, Steam Deck Repo Manager will allow for just that.
The oddly named app is built on the Steam Deck Repo website where its users have created a huge amount of startup and suspend videos. The Steam Deck can be made to boot with the visuals of a 90s PC, or a Valve-themed version of the iconic PlayStation intro.
6 Get It Kitted Out
The Steam Deck comes with a great carrying case that is bulky and robust to protect it from quite a bit. But this bulky robustness comes at the cost of portability, especially when traveling light. Traveling without some sort of protection isn't really an option, however. Luckily there are options for slimming down the handheld while still protecting it. There are a variety of different faceplate covers that go directly over the screen and buttons. Couple that with a rear case and the Deck is protected and perfect for travel.
But if it's a long journey in the pipeline, there's a necessity to fight the Steam Deck's understandably short battery life. Of course, the solution is a power bank, but these can be a nuisance when hanging or placed nearby. So the best way around this is with a mount. These can be found fairly easily on the internet, and they simply stick to the rear of the console adhesively and also to a power bank, allowing play to continue with ease and comfort.
5 Decky Customization
Many Steam Deck users might have heard of Decky Loader already, but if not, it's an add-on to the Steam Deck that opens up a world of customization and configuration across all elements of the handheld. Through Decky players can install plugins that allow them to change the look of specific aspects of the Steam OS like the layout of games, or even the displayed artwork.
The menu sounds can be altered too, and even background music can be added. Or, if it's a technical configuration that are desired, Decky has plugins that open up more options for GPU management, battery life, and more.
4 Streaming Services
While its primary use is gaming, that's not all the Deck can be used for. There are indeed ways of getting the top streaming services added to a personal Steam Library.
Through a recent update to EmuDeck , an emulator installer, streaming services like Disney+ and Netflix can be added to the Steam Deck, and they will even show up among the library of games in the collections tab. Handy for getting straight to watching something after gaming without switching devices.
3 Steam Link
Gamers that already have a PC but are taking advantage of the Steam Deck's powerhouse ability to emulate classic games, probably don't want to double up on those games on PC. But what if they want to play them on it regardless?
The solution to this is Steam Link, an application for PCs which simply enables streaming from the Deck to a PC. Great for getting games up and running on a bigger screen in a short amount of time, especially without a dock.
2 Connect Bluetooth Keyboard And Mouse
When first setting up a Steam Deck, the guide will teach the button shortcut to bring up the on-screen keyboard for any typing needs. But an on-screen keyboard can be finicky and overall a pain to use. Either typing with fingers, a stylus, or using the face buttons, this keyboard is just not as intuitive or efficient as a physical keyboard.
This is why a Bluetooth keyboard is essential, especially for any time spent in desktop mode. At the same time, a Bluetooth mouse wouldn't go amiss either.
1 Cloud Game Streaming
Much like streaming TV and movies, the Steam Deck can access cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming making games owned on Xbox or via Game Pass playable on the Steam Deck, albeit through a browser, but it works great. Official instructions on how to set it up can be found on Microsoft's website, and it makes for a great addition to the Deck's utility.
Being able to access the volume of games Game Pass holds on a handheld is almost reason alone to own a Steam Deck. It's a simple process involving logging into cloud gaming on any browser in desktop mode and then adding the browser link as a non-Steam game. Once done, Xbox Cloud Gaming will show in the games collection tab.