How To Get PlayStation Plus On The Steam Deck

The Steam Deck, developed by Valve, has revolutionized portable gaming by allowing players to access a vast library of PC games on the go. However, its versatility doesn’t end there. Many gamers are eager to expand their gaming horizons by integrating services like PlayStation Plus into their Steam Deck experience. This guide will walk you through the steps to get PlayStation Plus up and running on your Steam Deck, ensuring you can enjoy a broader range of games seamlessly.

Understanding the Integration

Before diving into the installation process, it’s essential to grasp what this integration entails. PlayStation Plus is Sony’s subscription service that offers access to a vast library of games, including both classics and modern titles. By setting up PlayStation Plus on your Steam Deck, you’re essentially enabling the device to stream PlayStation games, thereby broadening your gaming repertoire beyond the Steam ecosystem.

Prerequisites

1. Active PlayStation Plus Subscription: Ensure you have an active subscription to PlayStation Plus, preferably the Premium tier, which offers cloud streaming capabilities.
2. Stable Internet Connection: A robust and stable internet connection is crucial for smooth game streaming. Aim for a minimum speed of 5 Mbps, though higher speeds will provide a better experience.
3. Compatible Controller: While the Steam Deck’s built-in controls are versatile, some PlayStation games might offer a better experience with a DualShock 4 or DualSense controller. These controllers can be connected to the Steam Deck via Bluetooth.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1. Switch to Desktop Mode:
   • Press the Steam button on your Steam Deck.
   • Navigate to the “Power” menu.
   • Select “Switch to Desktop” to enter the Linux-based desktop mode of the Steam Deck.
2. Install a Web Browser:
   • In Desktop Mode, you’ll need a web browser to download necessary applications. If not already installed, access the Discover Software Center (the blue shopping bag icon) and install a browser like Google Chrome or Firefox.
3. Download and Install ProtonUp-Qt:
   • ProtonUp-Qt is a tool that simplifies the installation of compatibility layers required to run non-Steam applications.
   • Open your web browser and search for “ProtonUp-Qt GitHub.” Navigate to the official GitHub page and download the latest AppImage release.
   • Once downloaded, make the AppImage executable by right-clicking, selecting “Properties,” and checking the “Is executable” box.
   • Run the AppImage to launch ProtonUp-Qt.
4. Install the Latest Version of Proton:
   • Within ProtonUp-Qt, select “Add version.”
   • Choose the latest version of GE-Proton and proceed with the installation. This version is optimized for running a broader range of applications.
5. Download the PlayStation Plus App:
   • Visit the official PlayStation website and navigate to the PlayStation Plus section.
   • Download the PlayStation Plus PC app installer.
6. Install the PlayStation Plus App Using Proton:
   • Locate the downloaded installer file.
   • Right-click on the installer and select “Run with Proton.” If this option isn’t available, you can add the installer as a non-Steam game in your Steam library and run it from there, ensuring you select the GE-Proton version installed earlier.
7. Configure the PlayStation Plus App:
   • Once the installation is complete, launch the PlayStation Plus app.
   • Sign in with your PlayStation Network account credentials.
   • Configure any necessary settings, such as display resolution and controller preferences.
8. Add PlayStation Plus App to Steam Library:
   • To access the PlayStation Plus app directly from the Steam Deck’s gaming mode:
     • Open Steam in Desktop Mode.
     • Click on “Games” in the top menu and select “Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library.”
     • Browse and select the PlayStation Plus app.
     • Once added, you can find and launch it from your Steam library in gaming mode.
9. Return to Gaming Mode:
   • Exit Desktop Mode by clicking on the “Return to Gaming Mode” icon on the desktop.
   • In gaming mode, navigate to your library, and under the “Non-Steam” tab, you’ll find the PlayStation Plus app ready to launch.

Optimizing Your Experience

• Controller Configuration: While the Steam Deck’s controls are comprehensive, some PlayStation games might require specific controller inputs. Pairing a DualShock 4 or DualSense controller can enhance your gaming experience.
• Performance Settings: Depending on the game’s demands and your internet connection, you might need to adjust streaming quality settings within the PlayStation Plus app to achieve optimal performance.
• Regular Updates: Ensure both the PlayStation Plus app and Proton are kept up-to-date to benefit from performance improvements and new features.