Not sure why they haven’t done this given that Gamepass is their bread winner and they have no handled equivalent. Giving SD users easy access to their catalog would only increase their sales.
I agree - since it’s not supported natively, and cloud streaming isn’t viable for me, I’m going to let my subscription run out at the end of the year.
They want you to run Windows, which is why they don’t have any support for other platforms.
They want you to run Windows
Microsoft has been moving away from that course for a while now. They’ve gone from militantly Windows only to supporting whatever they feel drives sales. Windows used to be their breadwinning product. Windows is now just a means to an end, no longer the end game for Microsoft. Their services are what makes them money.
I suspect the Linux market just isn’t large enough for them to support, especially considering the amount of work it would take to make it all work. Depending on how big handhelds get, I can see them doing a more handheld oriented barebones version of Windows, maybe.
I want to own my games, not give Microsoft subscription money to borrow them.
Never. Ever. Happen. Besides, they don’t even have controller controls working on the PC version, they’re going to get it running under Proton? And probably still have to launch through Steam to access the controller? I don’t see Microsoft doing that…though they might get pushed to make Gamepass more controller friendly and more of a Windows replacement.
They can’t just do that. They would need Valve to help incorporate GP into SteamOS
Microsoft has a step by step guide on how to install the right web browser to use xcloud to play gamepass games on the deck link
How much more accessible are you expecting them to make it? Some of the gamepass versions of games you get in Windows on the Xbox/windows store aren’t even the same version on steam
How much more accessible are you expecting them to make it
Hit the install button in steam(or the desktop store and then automagically add it to steam) for it?
What do Microsoft gain out of this? You can stream it through anything that can run an internet browser, and if you’re desperate for it on the Deck locally it’s easy to install Windows onto an SD card or internal drive. Making it a Steam app also means they forfeit a cut of their subs to Valve. Making it a bit easier for a tiny minority of the gaming market makes very little sense.
I don’t see Valve being overly keen seeing a game service with as many games as Gamepass does on its store either to be honest, considering they kinda want you to buy stuff.
You overestimate the install base and underestimate effort it would take for them to do all that. I doubt the cost would be worth it for them. It’s not as simple as just building a Linux app. It would be a lot of work and support and I don’t think the increase in sales would be enough.
MS is probably working on their own handheld xbox device. They really wouldn’t benefit from having the Game Pass be compatible with the SD since it doesn’t run on Windows.
It’s my single biggest gripe for both Steamdeck and Gamepass.i have Gamepass until the end of 2026 so I’d hope it’s resolved by then!
Their current strategy is to push you to buy a Rog Ally or Legion Go, which both come with some gamepass. Maybe they will change their mind after seeing how those sales go though.
Wouldn’t be surprised if they release their own handheld pc.
Because part of the library won’t work, some will work but with tinkering. They would have to build some sort of verified system like Steam has. It’s not just a fix one problem deal. Without that they open themselves up to all sorts of consumer complaints.
And here’s the thing, Xbox has lost the console war yet again. It’s a lost cause atm. I wouldn’t be surprised if Microsoft were working on abandoning the living room console space for a hand held like the Deck. Have that work with gamepass out of the box and they will sell. Microsoft have spent years in mobile windows UI, it’s not too difficult for them to do it. They are long established hardware manufacturers. It really wouldn’t take much for them to enter with a big rival to the Deck.
GeForce NOW is starting to support gamepass games now, there is quite a lot on there so far and more are being added.
If you have both GeForce NOW and Gamepass it’s almost impossible to tell you are streaming it (as long as you have. Decent internet connection). Almost zero input lag.
It can be expensive paying for both, but it’s worth the value in the access you get to so many games.
idk why some people always bring up xcloud or cloud streaming. the whole reason i bought a deck was to play games on it and actually run it.
otherwise i’ll just get cloud streaming and a controller for my phone/tablet.
ROG Ally is that handheld equivalent, runs windows, xbox controller layout, literally comes with gamepass.