Steam Deck: Getting Started
So, now you've got your own Steam Deck. What is there to know before diving in? The Steam Deck is ultimately a tinkerer's paradise, so I don't want to pretend like there are some definitive steps or applications to utilize. Explore at your own pace, and mess with stuff as you see fit. I've collected a few thoughts below that might be helpful as you go about toying with your new toy. I can't wait to see how quickly this becomes outdated! Contents: What is Desktop Mode vs. Gaming Mode? How does Proton work? What is shader pre-caching? What is Flatpak? Can I use Windows on my Steam Deck? Can I really play games off of the SD card? How can I play non-Steam games on my Steam Deck? How can I emulate games on my Steam Deck? Can I play online multiplayer games on my Steam Deck? Can I mod games on my Steam Deck? Can I dock my Steam Deck, like a Nintendo Switch? What is Desktop Mode vs. Gaming Mode? By default, your Steam Deck boots into Gaming Mode. This is where the Steam D