Steam Deck will allow you to install Windows to play on Xbox Game Pass and Epic Games Store
The portable hardware will make use of an improved version of SteamOS, but Valve is looking to offer an open platform.
Steam Deck, the portable hardware introduced yesterday afternoon by Valve, will not use Windows as an operating system, but rather an optimized version of SteamOS, a distribution derived from Linux Debian. But that doesn’t stop more upstart users from messing around with the machine and installing Windows 10 (or W11 when it arrives), thus allowing, for example, to run Xbox Game Pass for PC on the device.
Steam Deck is a PC, you can install third-party software and operating systemsValve“Steam Deck is a PC, so you can install third-party software and operating systems,” the American company clarifies through its website. A statement also made in an interview with IGN , where they make it clear that users can install everything they want in this kind of pocket computer. Thus, with the corresponding adjustments, it will be possible not only to access Microsoft’s subscription service, but also to other businesses such as Epic Games Store , GOG and a long etcetera.
Likewise, as they remember from Polygon, from the Redmond technology giant they are increasingly promoting xCloud from browsers , so that users who are short of hardware in the future may be able to access this Microsoft service to continue playing from their machine laptop. We could say the same situation for Stadia, although all this will have to be seen over time.
Support for all types of controls
In this way, Steam Deck is totally far from the definition of a closed system, and that also includes peripherals, allowing the user to plug in all kinds of external devices and accessories . “Anything that can be connected via USB and anything that can be connected or accessed via Bluetooth.”
Now, is SteamOS enough to enjoy our entire video game library? The company works to ensure a smooth experience with the latest market releases, and that includes improvements to Proton , a compatibility layer that makes it possible to run unsupported video games on Linux without the developers having to work on some kind of software adaptation. .
To see how far these promises go, we will have to wait until December, the launch month of the Half-Life parents’ laptop. Let us remember that this afternoon reservations are opened with access to three different models with different prices. For their part, those interested in Xbox Game Pass can subscribe to the service by paying a single euro for the first month with an extensive library of games on PC.
