The Steam Deck is one of the most remarkable game console releases in years, capable of running the latest AAA games. It’s small and light enough for you to take anywhere, and flexible enough for you to hook up some additional controllers and connect it to a TV for traditional console gaming.
Behind the user interface, the Steam Deck is running a custom version of Arch Linux. As such, it doesn’t take much effort to turn the Steam Deck into a standard PC.
But could it replace your desktop?
How Suitable Is the Steam Deck’s Hardware for PC-Style Use?
At first glance, the Nintendo Switch-like dimensions of the Steam Deck make an unlikely personal computer. After all, it has two thumbsticks, a D-pad, shoulder and rear buttons, touchpads, and very little that you would associate with a PC, aside from, perhaps, removable storage (the microSD card slot).
Inside, however, it’s a different story.
The AMD APU (accelerated processing unit) features a Zen 2 CPU, with four cores/eight threads. There is 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM in the Steam Deck, too, with either 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage.
Meanwhile, the SteamOS 3.0 operating system with KDE Plasma 5 desktop environment is more than adequate for running desktop software.
What You’ll Need to Use Steam Deck Like a PC
If you want to try out the Steam Deck as a full-blown computer, you’ll need to hook up some accessories.
First, there’s the option of a docking station. Several Steam Deck docks are available, but they may be considered pricey. Fortunately, a standard USB Type-C to HDMI adapter with a USB port or two should be all you need, a bit like connecting a Nintendo Switch to your TV without the dock.
In addition, you’ll need an HDMI cable to your usual display or TV, and a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard. If you only have standard USB input devices, or your mouse and keyboard have their own wireless receivers, consider a USB hub, too.
Switch to the Steam Deck’s Desktop Mode
With everything hooked up to the Steam Deck, it’s time to access its desktop interface.
To do this:
- Press the Steam button
- Use the D-pad to select Power
- Press A
- Select Switch to Desktop
- Press A
The message “Switching to Desktop” will be display. Wait while the Steam Deck changes mode.
Access the Steam Deck’s Browser for Internet and Email
In the Steam Deck’s desktop environment, you will find everything you need to use the system like a PC. Some applications are pre-installed, while others can be added later.
To access your favorite websites, the Steam Deck has a browser already built in. This is Ungoogled Chromium, a version of the Chromium browse which Google Chrome is based on.
Start this as follows:
- Open the Application Launcher (bottom left corner)
- Open Internet
- Select Ungoogled Chromium
Note that you also have the option to Install Firefox.
You can also open the Steam app, which has the standard desktop appearance rather than the user interface you see when you boot the console.
Using the browser, you should be able to access your favorite websites and webmail account (e.g. Gmail or Outlook).
How to Install non-Game Software on Steam Deck
In addition to built-in tools, you can add more software using the Discover app. This is a software center that provides installation links to all the important apps you might need.
You can launch Discover from its shortcut on the taskbar. Once open, you will find a directory of applications – and games – that you can install on the Steam Deck.
Conversely, it is trickier to install software via the terminal using pacman. My own attempts at this have hit problems such as corrupt PGP keys, and it is probably best avoided in most cases.
An alternative is available, however, in the shape of Flatpaks. (See our guide to Flatpaks for beginners). This is pre-installed in SteamOS 3.x and later, so is ready to use.
If, for example, you wanted to install Microsoft Teams for Linux you would use
flatpak install flathub com.github.IsmaelMartinez.teams_for_linux
Follow the prompts to complete installation.
You can open Teams for Linux with
flatpak run com.github.IsmaelMartinez.teams_for_linux
You can also launch the app via Application Launcher > Office
Install an Office Suite and Work on Your Steam Deck
The overwhelming majority of productivity software you can run on the Steam Deck will be found in Discover, or you can use the flatpak command.
LibreOffice, for example, can be installed on the Steam Deck, providing you with a word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation tool. Simply open Discover and search for "libreoffice", then click Install.
It can be launched by opening the Application Launcher > Office and selecting your preferred office tool. Data such as documents and other work projects can be stored on the Steam Deck’s internal storage, but not the microSD card if you’re using one.
Time to Play Games Again
While you’re in the Steam Deck’s desktop mode, you will notice that any game you have installed in Steam appears as a desktop shortcut. Many can be launched from the desktop environment, including those you may have added using the Heroic Games Launcher for Epic Games.
But what if you want to get back to the main Steam interface?
To exit the desktop mode, you must restart the Steam Deck. Do this by clicking the desktop menu button for the Application Launcher and selecting Restart.
The Steam Deck will then restart and load the usual game selection screen.
Steam Deck: a Portable Gaming PC for Work and Play
With its amazing hardware specification and USB OTG functionality, the Steam Deck makes a surprising desktop replacement. Thanks to the Discover app and Flatpak support, a whole host of productivity apps can be installed, from office software to development tools and beyond.
There is even scope for media editing on the Steam Deck.
While command line installation is less successful on this platform, the Discover tool has all the productivity software you could need. Office tasks can be completed, emails answered, and the Steam Deck restarted for a return to gaming.
In short: the Steam Deck makes a perfect desktop replacement.