You Can Play Game Pass On Steam Deck - Here's How

Are you a gamer who loves to play on the go? Then, the Steam Deck is made for you. But what if you are also subscribed to Xbox Game Pass and want to play those games on your new device? Well, it's possible! In this post, I will guide you through playing Game Pass on Steam Deck.

From installing Microsoft Edge to setting up controller layout and custom artwork shortcut, I'll show you how to play Game Pass on Steam Deck in little time. I will also discuss the partnership between Xbox and Valve and the benefits of SteamOS. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to enjoy your favorite games on the go!

Steam Deck Dashboard

How to play Game Pass on Steam Deck

To enjoy gaming on your Steam Deck, install Microsoft Edge. Once installed, log in to your Game Pass account via the Xbox website and stream games from the extensive library using Xbox Cloud Gaming. Customize artwork shortcuts and control layouts for an even better experience with keyboard support or controller layout setups. Use launch options or subscribe to Xbox Game Pass for a seamless transition from console to desktop mode on your Steam Deck. Benefit from Microsoft's partnership with Valve while enjoying seamless gameplay with SSDs or through local network play.

Valve has stated that it has no plans to make a "Steam Pass" but would help Microsoft add Xbox Game Pass to SteamOS.

Install Microsoft Edge for Xbox

To set up Game Pass on Steam Deck, you need to install Microsoft Edge by downloading and installing the app from the Discover Software Center. After installation, sign in to your Xbox account and navigate to the Game Pass section.

With this browser, you can stream games from the Game Pass library using Xbox Cloud Gaming in desktop mode. Additionally, Microsoft Edge offers an internet gaming mode that optimizes your entire PC for gaming performance. To elevate your gameplay experience further, connect a controller or use keyboard and mouse configurations for Destiny or other PC games.

Xbox Cloud Gaming on PC

Experience console-quality gaming on your PC with Xbox Cloud Gaming on PC. To start with this feature, install Microsoft Edge for Xbox and sign in to your Xbox account. Enjoy seamless streaming of games from Microsoft's servers to your device with just a few clicks. With this feature, there is no need for expensive hardware. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your favorite games.

PREY on Steam Deck

Set up Controller Layout

To optimize your Game Pass experience on Steam Deck, it is crucial to properly set up your controller layout. The first step is to install Microsoft Edge for Xbox and sign in to your Xbox account. Once that is done, configure the buttons and triggers on your gamepad to match the layout of an Xbox controller. Controller configuration will ensure a seamless gaming experience when playing Game Pass games on your Steam Deck.

Remember that you can also use a keyboard and mouse in desktop mode if you prefer that over a gamepad. By using these tips along with other configurations, such as launch options and device-scale-factor in Konsole or Terminal, you can fully customize your gaming experience.

Custom Artwork Shortcut

Creating a Custom Artwork Shortcut is essential to ensure an uninterrupted gaming experience with Game Pass on Steam Deck. An icon can be created by adding Microsoft Edge for Xbox as a Non-Steam Game in your Steam Library and customizing the Artwork by Right-Clicking on the Shortcut. After that, you can easily access Game Pass and enjoy playing your favorite games without hassle or delay.

The Ascent on Steam Deck

Sign in to Xbox Game Pass

To access Xbox Game Pass on your Steam Deck:

1. Log in to your account on the Xbox website using Microsoft Edge.

2. From there, browse through the library of Game Pass games available via the Xbox Cloud Gaming service.

3. Select a game and ensure that you have configured the controller layout to match that of an Xbox controller for a seamless gaming experience.

The Steam Deck's desktop mode allows users to install apps like Microsoft Edge and easily browse the internet. With its portable size and powerful CPU/GPU combo from AMD, you can take your favorite games anywhere.

Benefits of SteamOS

By using SteamOS on the Steam Deck, gamers can reap several benefits:

1. SteamOS provides better gaming performance and compatibility compared to other operating systems.

2. User override options like keyboard and mouse support via USB-C hub or headphone jack and controller layout customization via Konsole or terminal commands like udev configs for gamepads make this device ideal for any gamer's needs.

3. With Xbox Cloud Gaming on PC enabled through Microsoft Edge browser app installation or manually launching a web browser window-size with Microsoft Edge launch options allowing for the force-device-scale-factor flag in Flatpak or AppImage versions of Microsoft Edge browser app.

4. Valve's collaboration with Xbox has made playing Game Pass games on the Steam Deck possible through subscription services like Xbox Game Pass, which has hundreds of games from various genres, including popular titles like Destiny 2 and many others that can be played on the go without needing a console or TV setup.

Twitter Reactions to Steam Deck

Twitter users seem to be generally excited about the Steam Deck, with many praising its portability and powerful hardware. Some also discuss the potential of playing Game Pass games on the device via Xbox Cloud Gaming. However, there are also some concerns about battery life and the overall cost of the device. Overall, it seems that gamers are eagerly anticipating the release of the Steam Deck later this year.

The Future of Portable Gaming

The potential of Steam Deck to revolutionize gaming on the go has excited gamers. With the ability to run SteamOS, users can access their entire Steam library from anywhere. Since SteamOS is optimized for gaming, it provides better performance than traditional Windows systems.

Being gamer-centric makes using Steam Deck even more exciting, as players can enjoy high-quality graphics and fast loading times while playing away from their desktops or laptops. The device's compact size and portability make it an ideal choice for gamers who want to take their favorite PC games wherever they go without compromising GPU performance.

Play PC Games On Steam Deck

Use SSD in Steam Deck

Use the Steam Deck's SSD to play Xbox Game Pass games by installing Windows and downloading the Xbox app. Confirm a stable internet connection for smooth streaming of Game Pass games. Take advantage of this feature by accessing your Steam library and using various launch options for optimal gameplay. Use the controller layout and customize it according to your preference with different configurations for the gamepad.

Benefit from its portability and play on the go with its compact size, graphics, and high-quality performance. Achieve an immersive gaming experience with SteamOS in desktop mode, controller support, keyboard/mouse compatibility, right-click support, graphics cards from AMD RDNA series, USB-C hub compatibility, headphone jack usage, MicroSD card slot for expandable storage, and local network connectivity.

TV Compatibility with Steam Deck

Connect your Steam Deck to your TV using an HDMI cable and enjoy your games on the big screen. For optimal gaming experience, ensure your TV has a resolution of at least 720p. If you encounter any display settings issues, try adjusting them for better gaming performance.

Can Steam Deck play Xbox games?

The Steam Deck is designed for PC games and may not natively run Xbox games. However, it may be possible to use emulation software to play some Xbox games. Remember that using unauthorized methods could violate copyright laws and terms of service agreements.

How do I use Xbox Remote Play on Steam Deck?

Xbox Remote Play is not available on Steam Deck. However, you can still play Xbox games using Xbox Cloud Gaming with an active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and a strong internet connection. Your gameplay experience may be affected by factors such as internet speed and network stability.

Conclusion

Playing Game Pass on Steam Deck is now possible, thanks to the partnership between Xbox and Valve. To start playing, follow our step-by-step guide on installing Microsoft Edge, set up the controller layout and custom artwork shortcut, and sign in to Xbox Game Pass. With the added benefits of SteamOS and SSD in Steam Deck, gaming has never been more enjoyable. Start experiencing the best of both worlds today!