Xbox Game Pass on Steam Deck: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting Xbox Game Pass on Steam Deck is Easy if You Follow This Guide

Wondering how to play Xbox Game Pass games on Steam Deck? Don’t worry, you don’t need a Windows installation. Good news—you can launch Xbox Game Pass on Steam Deck (using Xbox Cloud Gaming) directly from the Steam interface. Here’s how you can set it up.

The Steam Deck boasts an extensive library, but what if you want to dive into titles you own on Xbox without repurchasing them? This is particularly relevant for games like Fallout 76, which lack cross-save features. Thankfully, there’s a way to play these games on your Steam Deck, all without installing Windows. You’ll need an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription for access to Xbox Cloud Gaming in order to play Xbox Game Pass on Steam Deck.

Setting Up Xbox Cloud Gaming on the Steam Deck

1. Install Microsoft Edge:

• Switch your Steam Deck to Desktop mode by pressing the Steam and Power buttons.
• Open the Discover app and search for ‘Microsoft Edge’ using the on-screen keyboard, or connect a physical keyboard for ease. I suggest using a dock like this one from Sabrent. It works perfectly and is a 3rd the cost of the official dock.
• Install Microsoft Edge and give it controller inputs access in Gaming mode.

2. Enable Controller Compatibility:

• Navigate to System > Konsole in the Application Launcher.
• Enter the command: flatpak --user override --filesystem=/run/udev:ro com.microsoft.Edge (be meticulous with spacing and capitalization).
• Confirm with Enter and then exit the console.

3. Add Xbox Cloud Gaming to Steam Library:

• Go to the Internet section, find Microsoft Edge, and add it to Steam.
• Rename Microsoft Edge to ‘Xbox Cloud Gaming’ in the Properties.
• In the Launch Options, add: --window-size=1024,640 --force-device-scale-factor=1.25 --device-scale-factor=1.25 --kiosk “https://www.xbox.com/play” after the existing code.

4. Customize Your Controller Layout:

• Right-click ‘Xbox Cloud Gaming’ in your Steam library, select Manage, then Controller layout.
• Choose ‘Gamepad with Mouse Trackpad’ from the configurations to ensure compatibility with Xbox Cloud Gaming.

5. Personalize Cloud Gaming App Appearance:

• Download the necessary image files for icons and banners from Microsoft’s website directly onto your Steam Deck or transfer them from your SD card. This is only if you want the official look of the Xbox Cloud Gaming app. You can download any files to personalize as you see fit.
• Set your downloaded images as the icon and custom background for Xbox Cloud Gaming in your Steam Library.

6. Launch Xbox Game Pass on Steam Deck in Gaming Mode and Enjoy:

• With Xbox Cloud Gaming now part of your library, launch it in Gaming mode to play. Sign in when prompted.
• Enjoy Xbox Game Pass on Steam Deck!

This guide simplifies playing Xbox titles on your Steam Deck through Xbox Cloud Gaming, enhancing your portable gaming experience without the need for multiple game purchases or installations. Happy gaming!