Modder tries (and fails) to install Steam games on Switch

Not playing with a full Deck

04 February 2023
by quence 0

Valve’s Steam Deck is a handheld console much like Nintendo’s Switch, although it packs a lot more processing power. It also enables users to directly access their library of Steam games. In an attempt to bring the Switch closer to the Steam Deck, modder SpikeHD attempted to get Steam games running on Nintendo’s hardware.

As detailed in the above video, Spike’s process involves first installing Linux on an older, hacked Switch model, then moving on to install Steam. This process is a lot more complicated than it sounds, but in spite of many difficulties, it was successful. The problem is that Spike was then unable to actually install any Steam games due to the Switch’s limited hardware capabilities. In the end, he determines that it isn’t possible to truly turn your Switch into a Steam Deck. (However, he does manage to stream Steam games to the Switch via Steam Link and an Android emulator.)

The project may not have been successful, but that doesn’t mean it’s not interesting to watch! Check out the video above if you’re interested in dissecting some of the Switch’s nuts and bolts. It’s an intriguing look into the console’s hardware and what it can and can’t do.

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