Play Xbox Games On Steam Deck: A Simple Guide

Hey everyone! If you're like me, you love gaming on the go with your Steam Deck. But what if I told you that you could also play your favorite Xbox games on it? Yep, you heard that right! In this guide, I'm going to walk you through the steps to get Xbox games running on your Steam Deck, making your portable gaming experience even better. Let's dive in!

Why Play Xbox Games on Steam Deck?

Before we get started, let's talk about why you might want to do this. Playing Xbox games on your Steam Deck opens up a whole new world of gaming possibilities. Imagine having access to titles like Halo, Forza, and Sea of Thieves on a handheld device. It's pretty awesome, right?

Portability: The Steam Deck is designed for gaming on the go. Adding Xbox games to the mix means you can enjoy your favorite titles anywhere, anytime.
Game Pass: With Xbox Game Pass, you have access to a vast library of games for a monthly fee. This makes it an affordable way to play a wide variety of titles on your Steam Deck.
Flexibility: Why limit yourself to just Steam games? Playing Xbox games on your Steam Deck gives you more options and variety in your gaming library.

So, are you ready to get started? Let's jump into the steps you'll need to follow.

Setting Up Xbox Cloud Gaming on Steam Deck

The easiest way to play Xbox games on your Steam Deck is through Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly known as xCloud). This service allows you to stream games directly to your device without needing to install them. Here’s how to set it up:

Step 1: Open Desktop Mode

First things first, you'll need to switch your Steam Deck to Desktop Mode. To do this:

Press the Steam button on your Steam Deck.
Go to Power.
Select Switch to Desktop.

This will take you to the KDE Plasma desktop environment, which is similar to what you might find on a Linux computer.

Step 2: Install a Web Browser

If you haven't already, you'll need a web browser to access Xbox Cloud Gaming. Most people prefer Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, but you can use any browser you like.

Open the Discover app (it’s like the app store).
Search for your preferred browser (e.g., Chrome or Edge).
Click Install to download and install the browser.

Step 3: Add Xbox Cloud Gaming as a Non-Steam Game

To make it easy to access Xbox Cloud Gaming from your Steam library, you can add it as a non-Steam game.

Open your web browser and go to the Xbox Cloud Gaming website (xbox.com/play).
Log in with your Microsoft account. Make sure you have an active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, as this is required for cloud gaming.
Once you’re logged in, click on the three dots in the top-right corner of your browser (for Chrome or Edge) and select "Add to Desktop" or "Create Shortcut." This will create a shortcut on your desktop.
Now, open Steam in Desktop Mode.
Click on "Add a Game" in the bottom-left corner.
Select "Add a Non-Steam Game."
Browse for the shortcut you created on your desktop and add it. It should be named something like "Xbox Cloud Gaming." If you can't find it there, navigate to /home/deck/Desktop

Step 4: Configure Controller Settings

To ensure your Steam Deck controller works correctly with Xbox Cloud Gaming, you might need to tweak the settings a bit.

In Steam, go to "Settings".
Click on "Controller".
Select "Desktop Configuration."
Make sure your Steam Deck controller is recognized and configured properly. You might need to experiment with different configurations to find what works best for you.

Step 5: Launch Xbox Cloud Gaming from Steam

Now that you've set everything up, you can launch Xbox Cloud Gaming directly from your Steam library.

Switch back to Gaming Mode on your Steam Deck.
Go to your Library and find the "Xbox Cloud Gaming" shortcut you added.
Launch it, and you should be taken directly to the Xbox Cloud Gaming website in your browser.
Select the game you want to play and start streaming!

Installing Xbox Games Pass via Xbox App (Greenlight)

As of now, the best way to play Xbox Game Pass natively is through Greenlight. It's not perfect, but it does allow the Xbox app to run. Here’s a simplified version:

Make sure Discover is enabled to install apps and that Flatpak and Wine are installed.
Go to the Discover app on your Steam Deck.
Search for and install "Greenlight."
Open Greenlight from your applications menu.
In Greenlight, select "Xbox Game Pass for PC" to install the Xbox app.
Log into your Microsoft account via the Xbox app.

Once installed, you can launch and play Xbox Game Pass games directly on your Steam Deck. Keep in mind that compatibility can vary. But this is one way you can unlock gaming with the full Xbox experience on your Steam Deck.

Improving Your Xbox Cloud Gaming Experience

To get the best experience playing Xbox games on your Steam Deck, here are a few tips:

Stable Internet Connection: Cloud gaming relies on a stable and fast internet connection. Make sure you're connected to a strong Wi-Fi network for the best results. I suggest you have at least 50mbps for a good experience.
Experiment with Settings: Play around with the graphics settings in the Xbox Cloud Gaming settings to find the right balance between visual quality and performance.
Use Headphones: For a more immersive experience, use headphones. This can also help reduce any potential audio lag.
Check Game Compatibility: Not all games are perfectly optimized for cloud gaming. Check online forums and communities to see if other players have had success with specific titles.

Alternative Methods for Playing Xbox Games

While Xbox Cloud Gaming is the easiest way to play Xbox games on your Steam Deck, there are a couple of alternative methods you might want to consider.

Xbox Remote Play

If you have an Xbox console at home, you can use Xbox Remote Play to stream games from your console to your Steam Deck. This requires your Xbox to be turned on or in Instant-On mode.

Install the "xbplay" app from the Discover store on your Steam Deck in Desktop Mode.
Configure the app to connect to your Xbox console.
Launch the app and start streaming games from your console to your Steam Deck.

Dual Booting Windows

Another option is to dual boot Windows on your Steam Deck. This allows you to install the Xbox app directly and play games natively. However, this is a more complex process and requires repartitioning your Steam Deck's storage.

Follow a guide to install Windows on your Steam Deck.
Install the Xbox app in Windows.
Download and play Xbox games directly on your Steam Deck.

Keep in mind that dual-booting can be a bit technical, so make sure you're comfortable with the process before attempting it.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best setup, you might run into some issues when playing Xbox games on your Steam Deck. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

Lag or Stuttering: This is usually due to a poor internet connection. Try moving closer to your Wi-Fi router or switching to a wired connection if possible.
Controller Issues: If your controller isn't working correctly, try reconfiguring it in Steam's settings. Make sure the controller is properly connected and recognized by the system.
Game Not Launching: Sometimes, a game might not launch due to compatibility issues. Check online forums to see if other players have found a solution.
Audio Problems: If you're experiencing audio issues, try adjusting the audio settings in the game or on your Steam Deck. Make sure your headphones are properly connected.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Playing Xbox games on your Steam Deck is totally doable, and it opens up a ton of new gaming possibilities. Whether you choose to use Xbox Cloud Gaming, Xbox Remote Play, or dual boot Windows, you'll be able to enjoy your favorite Xbox titles on the go.

I hope this guide has been helpful. Happy gaming, and I'll catch you in the next one!