Steam Deck is the first console that launched in the market with a lot of versatility and user control. It allows to load custom Linux software, run non-Steam games, and even emulate older games using services like Steam ROM Manager. Emulation was only restricted to versatile platforms like Windows, Mac, Linux and open-source kernels like Android. This is a great move on Valve’s half.
In this article, we will cover how you can add non-Steam games. You can use this feature to add anything to the launcher. This ranges from a browser to even your notes. So, you can perfectly use the Steam Deck as a portable notes carrier in case you want that.
Installing Non-Steam Games to Steam Deck
Follow these steps to add a non-Steam game to your Steam Deck:
- Open up your Steam Deck in Desktop mode. Follow these steps if you don’t know how to get into desktop mode:
- Press and hold the power button. A power menu will appear.
- Choose the Switch to Desktop option. SteamOS will then close, and the device will boot into the KDE Plasma desktop. The desktop mode will let you use the device as a Linux computer.
- Open the Steam client next. Since you are in the desktop mode, will allow you to load the Steam Client in its traditional layout.
SteamClient in its traditional layout. - Now, click on Add a Game.
- Click on Add a Non-Steam Game from the options that pop up.
- Select any number of Linux software on the list.
- Now hit Add Selected Programs. This will add the programs to your Steam library.
The process is super easy. Non-Steam games, however, will not come with any artwork or description, unlike Steam games. You can SteamGridDB to set these up.