The Steam Deck, a powerful handheld gaming device, allows users to play games from their Steam library anywhere. However, its potential extends beyond Steam, including the ability to access Xbox Cloud Gaming. With a bit of setup, you can use your Steam Deck to enjoy Xbox Game Pass titles through Xbox Cloud Gaming. Here’s a detailed guide to getting started.
Step 1: Switch to Desktop Mode
To begin, switch your Steam Deck to Desktop Mode. Press and hold the power button, then select “Switch to Desktop Mode” from the menu. This mode provides a traditional desktop environment, making it easier to install and configure third-party applications.
Step 2: Install Microsoft Edge
Xbox Cloud Gaming works best through a Chromium-based browser like Microsoft Edge. Open the Discover Store from the desktop toolbar and search for “Microsoft Edge.” Click Install to add it to your system. This browser is essential for streaming Xbox Game Pass titles.
Step 3: Add Microsoft Edge to Steam
After installing Edge, you need to integrate it with Steam. Open the Steam Launcher in Desktop Mode, navigate to All Applications, and locate Microsoft Edge. Right-click (using the L2 trigger) and select Add to Steam. This step registers Edge as a non-Steam game, enabling its use in Gaming Mode.
Step 4: Configure Edge for Gaming
Next, enable Edge to function seamlessly in Gaming Mode. Open the Konsole application (a terminal tool) from the desktop menu. Run the following command to grant Edge access to your Steam Deck’s controls:
flatpak –user override –filesystem=/run/udev:ro com.microsoft.Edge
This step ensures your Steam Deck’s inputs are compatible with Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Step 5: Adjust Launch Options for Xbox Cloud Gaming
Open Steam and find Microsoft Edge in your library. Right-click it, select Properties, and navigate to the Launch Options field. Add the following text after the existing code, making sure to include a space between the previous content and the new text:
–window-size=1024,640 –force-device-scale-factor=1.25 –device-scale-factor=1.25 –kiosk “https://www.xbox.com/play”
This configuration launches Edge directly into Xbox Cloud Gaming in fullscreen mode, optimized for the Steam Deck’s display.
Step 6: Rename and Customize
For easier identification, rename the Microsoft Edge entry in Steam to Xbox Cloud Gaming. You can also personalize the app’s appearance by adding custom icons and banners. Download images from Microsoft’s official resources and replace the default artwork by right-clicking the app in Steam, selecting Properties, and uploading the new files.
Step 7: Configure Steam Deck Controls
Xbox Cloud Gaming requires an appropriate controller layout. In the Steam library, find your newly added Xbox Cloud Gaming entry. Select Manage, then Controller Layout, and apply the Gamepad with Mouse Trackpad template. This setup ensures smooth navigation and gameplay within Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Step 8: Return to Gaming Mode
Switch back to Gaming Mode by holding the power button and selecting “Switch to Gaming Mode.” You’ll find the Xbox Cloud Gaming app under the Non-Steam Games section in your library. Launch it, log in to your Xbox account, and start streaming your favorite Game Pass titles.
Additional Tips
- Ensure a Stable Internet Connection: Xbox Cloud Gaming requires a steady internet connection for optimal performance. Use Wi-Fi with minimal interference for the best experience.
- Xbox Game Pass Subscription: You’ll need an active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription to access Xbox Cloud Gaming services.
- Performance Tweaks: For smoother streaming, avoid running resource-intensive apps in the background while using Xbox Cloud Gaming on your Steam Deck.
Why Use Xbox Cloud Gaming on the Steam Deck?
Xbox Cloud Gaming on the Steam Deck bridges the gap between two gaming ecosystems. It allows you to play high-quality Xbox games without installing them locally, saving storage space and enabling quick access to a vast library. The handheld nature of the Steam Deck makes it an excellent companion for gaming on the go, further enhancing its versatility.
