Steam Deck users will have to go through several steps of installing a beta version of Microsoft Edge in order to power the cloud gaming.
Microsoft has created a new way to enjoy the Steam Deck by making it possible to run Xbox’s cloud gaming service over the handheld device.
However, the cloud gaming isn’t arriving as a native app for the Steam Deck. Instead, users must first go through a process of installing the Microsoft Edge browser on the device in order to stream the Xbox games.
Microsoft announced the news on Friday with a tweet from Catherine Gluckstein, the company’s head of product and strategy for Xbox’s cloud gaming.
In a Reddit post, Microsoft added that it’s been working closely with Valve on bringing the game streaming to the Steam Deck. “We’re particularly excited about this ourselves as we feel it can open new opportunities in the Linux gaming community.”
Microsoft has currently been offering the cloud gaming as a free perk to an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership, which costs $14.99 per month. The cloud gaming means you can stream a catalog of over 300 Xbox titles to other devices, including iPhones, Android handsets and Windows laptops, so long as you have a fast enough internet connection.
You can check out our guide on how to set this up, which can involve simply downloading an app or using an existing browser. But in the case of the Steam Deck, Microsoft says you’ll have to go through about 16 steps to get the Xbox cloud gaming running over the device. It’s also best to do the installation when a mouse and keyboard is connected to the Steam Deck.
The company has created a support document that includes screenshots on the whole process, which requires first going into the Steam Deck’s desktop mode, and then downloading a Linux version of Microsoft’s Edge browser. You’ll then have to configure the device to launch the Edge browser as an app within your game library before setting it up to automatically load up the Xbox cloud gaming site on startup.
Essentially, you’re creating a shortcut on the Steam Deck to immediately access the cloud gaming. Microsoft’s support document also includes steps on how you can replace the shortcut with official Xbox cloud gaming logos.
In response to the news, some users are already joking Microsoft has come up with another way to force the Edge browser on users. But we wouldn’t be surprised if the company is working on an easier way to enable the cloud gaming down, without requiring a browser install. It’ll also be interesting to see how well the streaming performs over the device, and if it has any advantages or drawbacks over the native Steam Deck experience.
If you prefer not to stream, Microsoft has been working to make its existing PC titles playable over the Steam Deck as natively-run games. The list currently includes Psychonauts 2, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice and Sea of Thieves, among others. However, Gears 5 and Halo Infinite still remain unsupported, due to the games’ anti-cheat systems.
Sign up for What’s New Now to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every morning.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!
Advertisement
Michael has been a PCMag reporter since October 2017. He covers a wide variety of news topics, including consumer devices, the PC industry, cybersecurity, online communities, and gaming. Please send him tips.
PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering Labs-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.
© 1996-2022 Ziff Davis. PCMag Digital Group
PCMag, PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant.
