[ SOURCE: Photo by @edgaralmeida via Unsplash ]

Since purchasing my Steam Deck back in 2022, I’ve been able to play most games that would otherwise be impossible due to lack of time or a gaming computer. I know it’s been a few years since it came out, which makes it old news in the tech world, but I still get excited almost daily just picking it up. Yeah— I love the Deck.

I have the original 256GB LCD version, which is still a great device for my use case. As a very casual gamer, the games I enjoy are not AAA titles. I don’t usually get hyped about upcoming releases, but I do get excited seeing someone install and run an old game on it. I love tinkering with obscure games and then going deeper—trying to get the controls working with software that was never designed for them. It isn’t very difficult either, since Proton compatibility has continued to improve, allowing Linux to run almost any kind of software.

From Linux Newbie to Linux Fan

The first time I installed and used Linux was probably over 20 years ago. I remember trying SuSE and a Turkish-language distro, and later Ubuntu. I never stuck with any of them, because in the early 2000s Linux required too much work just to get things running. The only thing I cared about was gaming, and most games didn’t work on Linux—so it was a no-go for me. Of course, Windows XP was great, followed by Windows 7, which I really liked too. I can’t even say I liked it because there were no real alternatives. Where I grew up we didn’t have Apple computers. Linux was obscure for most people, and the only “gaming” devices were Famicom clones and later the PlayStation 1. There were Atari, Sega, and some Nintendo consoles, but I remember them being out of reach for many families.

When the Steam Deck came into my hands, I loved how fluid it felt in both gaming and desktop modes. It’s amazing to have a handheld device that also functions like a little laptop! I discovered it could run almost anything. I learned what Proton is and how well it translates Windows executables on Linux. Around the same time, Windows 11 became mainstream—but I didn’t like the direction it took, with increased telemetry, UI changes, and other behaviors I didn’t care for. Linux felt like a breath of fresh air, especially on the Steam Deck. Eventually I switched all the home PCs to Linux, choosing Fedora because it suited my needs and workflow.

After nearly four years since the Steam Deck’s release, we’re now a fully Linux household. I love watching my 11-year-old mod games in Scratch on a Fedora workstation laptop!

This thing can run anything

Steam Deck can run even the oldest games—either by installing them as a non-Steam game or using third-party tools like Lutris and Bottles. It also supports emulation (I’ll cover that in another post). Usually I try to run games through Steam first unless specific instructions say otherwise. Most things work without a hitch, but older titles sometimes have resolution or control issues. These are typical with very old games, but with some research and tinkering you can get almost anything running. The exceptions are certain online games where publishers force kernel-level anti-cheat systems or launchers that break compatibility—issues that are not the Steam Deck’s fault.

Here is a short list of some games I am able to run:

  • Ultima Online - I sometimes play on UO: Outlands.
  • Bad Mojo - this is the remastered version on Steam, but I am sure the original would also work.
  • Lurid Lands - This game is super old, but works really good.
  • Commandos - most older games that are re-released on Steam will work.
  • Minecraft - Java edition works with a third-party launcher.

Adjusting the controls

Learning the controls of the Deck is really fun to me. I watched review videos before getting it about how deeply configurable the controls were, and when I finally got to use them it blew my mind! I had never used a controller other than a PlayStation-style pad, so the ability to program every button felt completely new.

The gyro aiming feels surprisingly good, especially when using a scope on a sniper. I still make funny gestures while using it—waving the Deck around in the air—and people sometimes look at me like I’m weird. I also like assigning multiple commands to a single button. I use this in Diablo to access the secondary ability bar more easily.

The trackpads are great features on their own, and being able to create quick-access menus with them has been very useful. In a game like Ultima Online, I use those menus heavily along with secondary commands on buttons to mimic double clicks or opening bags.

Community control templates are also fantastic. They help me find better layouts for games or fix control issues in launchers and titles that don’t fully support controllers. Templates are easy to find and share. The only feature I wish existed is a preview before downloading—but it’s not a big issue since they’re tiny (I think only about 1 KB each).

I love my Steam Deck

To wrap this up, I want to reiterate how much I love this thing! I’m able to play games anywhere, and I actually play games again after a long hiatus—something that helps relieve daily stress and just makes me happy. More recently I started using it as a laptop: I bought a portable monitor, Bluetooth mouse and keyboard, and a nice backpack to complete the setup. It might be the best device I’ve owned since getting my first phone 😄

I’m also excited about the upcoming Steam Machine and controller. I hope they won’t be cancelled due to the RAM and storage shortages we keep hearing about. In the meantime, I’ll keep enjoying my little friend. Ehm..