Steam Deck - The Linux mobile hardware and OS we have always wanted
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I got a Steam Deck last week, and to say I am loving it is an understatement. This thing is a laptop killer for my uses, anyway. It runs a modified version of Debian and has read only file system. Read more about it here.
https://store.steampowered.com/steamosThe Steam Decks runs in too different modes:
Game Mode
Desktop ModeGame Mode is basically the Steam App optimized for the Steam Deck. It is similar to Microsoft's Xbox interface as far as functionality and what we expect for gaming consoles.
Desktop Mode is a full KDE environment. In this mode, you use the touchpad on the deck to navigate like you would on a laptop. It works as expected (basically a laptop with a small screen), but it definitely isnt optimized for controller use.
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Microsoft has been one of the leaders in embracing the Deck.
Microsoft has two awesome tutorials that allowed me to really unlock the power of the deck. The deck is fine in desktop mode, but it really shines in optimized game mode.
Microsoft has an awesome tutorial on how to do cloud gaming and get it working in game mode with the deck. I have been playing all my Microsoft Gamepass games on the deck!
Cloud gaming runs in edge via kiosk mode. You are able to create other "apps" using kiosk mode like Youtube, GoPro, Facebook, Email, etc. You just create another link to Edge set kiosk mode and adjust the URL.
This may sound like just favorites management, but browser with control pad is much faster than touch or touchpad. It is really awesome to make mobile "apps" without there being any apps for the device.
Also you can run Edge with all desktop extensions in game mode. Especially awesome if you use tools like Bitwarden.
Any flatpak can be made to launch in game mode, some dont work great but others do like the "discovery app" for downloading new flatpaks. That works amazing with controller support in game mode. (Not sure why steam didnt do that by default). I figured it out playing around.
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Curious - I would have a serious learning curve with it as I am a KB/M gamer. ..
While I'd like to get one, I don't know if I could justify it with the level of gaming I do,... unless it will do more.... While I have heard about it, I have not paid attention to it... -
@gjacobse said in Steam Deck - The Linux mobile hardware and OS we have always wanted:
Curious - I would have a serious learning curve with it as I am a KB/M gamer. ..
Hard to say, I've gamed both ways for so long its not hard for me to play either way
While I'd like to get one, I don't know if I could justify it with the level of gaming I do,... unless it will do more....
It does everything a laptop can do
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@IRJ said in Steam Deck - The Linux mobile hardware and OS we have always wanted:
@gjacobse said in Steam Deck - The Linux mobile hardware and OS we have always wanted:
Curious - I would have a serious learning curve with it as I am a KB/M gamer. ..
Hard to say, I've gamed both ways for so long its not hard for me to play either way
While I'd like to get one, I don't know if I could justify it with the level of gaming I do,... unless it will do more....
It does everything a laptop can do
Can I borrow yours for a week or so? Obviously joking…
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@IRJ said in Steam Deck - The Linux mobile hardware and OS we have always wanted:
I got a Steam Deck last week, and to say I am loving it is an understatement. This thing is a laptop killer for my uses, anyway. It runs a modified version of Debian and has read only file system. Read more about it here.
https://store.steampowered.com/steamosThe Steam Decks runs in too different modes:
Game Mode
Desktop ModeGame Mode is basically the Steam App optimized for the Steam Deck. It is similar to Microsoft's Xbox interface as far as functionality and what we expect for gaming consoles.
Desktop Mode is a full KDE environment. In this mode, you use the touchpad on the deck to navigate like you would on a laptop. It works as expected (basically a laptop with a small screen), but it definitely isnt optimized for controller use.
That's so awesome. I REALLY want one. And interesting that they chose KDE.
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@scottalanmiller said in Steam Deck - The Linux mobile hardware and OS we have always wanted:
@IRJ said in Steam Deck - The Linux mobile hardware and OS we have always wanted:
I got a Steam Deck last week, and to say I am loving it is an understatement. This thing is a laptop killer for my uses, anyway. It runs a modified version of Debian and has read only file system. Read more about it here.
https://store.steampowered.com/steamosThe Steam Decks runs in too different modes:
Game Mode
Desktop ModeGame Mode is basically the Steam App optimized for the Steam Deck. It is similar to Microsoft's Xbox interface as far as functionality and what we expect for gaming consoles.
Desktop Mode is a full KDE environment. In this mode, you use the touchpad on the deck to navigate like you would on a laptop. It works as expected (basically a laptop with a small screen), but it definitely isnt optimized for controller use.
That's so awesome. I REALLY want one. And interesting that they chose KDE.
My first thought was why KDE as well. In reality though, no desktop environment is a perfect fit. Using any of them will just feel like using a laptop TouchPad on a Nintendo switch form factor.
What SteamOS does is integrate controller support in their limited desktop environment. In just a few short months after release, it feels pretty awesome and capable. I would love to see gnome integrate controller support not just for the deck, but with that form factor in mind going forward.
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@IRJ said in Steam Deck - The Linux mobile hardware and OS we have always wanted:
My first thought was why KDE as well. In reality though, no desktop environment is a perfect fit.
Oh for sure. My first hunch would have been to stick with the default that everyone already knows and uses or to go with Deepin because it is so modern and slick.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of KDE and like what they do. It's good to see them keeping a presence in such an important and large scale device.
@Romo will be proud as he's a KDE user.
