This launcher aims to solve one of the Steam Deck’s biggest problems

The Steam Deck has always had one fundamental problem: Since SteamOS is based on Linux, it doesn't natively support PC Game Pass. While Xbox Cloud Gaming works on the Deck through a browser, games cannot be installed locally without complicated workarounds. The Xodus Nexus launcher, available on GitHub, could eventually change that.

Xodus Nexus is a launcher for Linux PCs designed to provide easy access to games from the Microsoft Store and PC Game Pass. Users sign in with their Microsoft account, view their available games and can download and launch supported titles directly through the launcher. The underlying technology comes from Xodus – a separate open-source project that provides the technical components needed to run Xbox games on Linux. Xodus Nexus builds on this foundation by adding a traditional game library – and that library is now available in an experimental version for the Steam Deck.

Xodus Nexus and individual games can be added to the Steam library as shortcuts and launched in Gaming Mode. Experimental controller support is intended to make navigation easier. However, the developer points out that a mouse or touchscreen may still be required for certain login windows and system dialogs. Beyond that, the software still appears to be far from working perfectly. Nevertheless, some games can reportedly already be launched.

ⓘ Embarrassed-Hall-617 via Reddit

Only a handful of games are playable so far

The launcher doesn't solve the Steam Deck's Game Pass problem across the entire catalog. According to the developer, not all games work. Some have limitations, experience online issues or fail to launch altogether. Additionally, the developer says they don't own a Steam Deck and therefore haven't been able to test the new integration on the device themselves.

GitHub features a compatibility list that includes titles such as Gears of War: E-Day, Valor Mortis and No Man's Sky as playable. However, this list applies to Linux systems in general rather than specifically to the Steam Deck. Early feedback on Reddit mentions working shortcuts and generally usable controller support, but users also report inconsistent controls and problems loading the game library. Xodus Nexus is therefore a promising but still experimental approach. Whether it will eventually make using PC Game Pass on the Steam Deck straightforward remains to be seen.

As a child in the 90s, my Gameboy was my steady companion. After school, the PlayStation was fired up. When I finally got my first PC, I was completely hooked. My passion for gaming has never waned since. For me, writing for Notebookcheck means reporting on topics that are really close to my heart - in addition to gaming, I also like to write about e-mobility, photovoltaics and innovative gadgets. When I'm not sitting at my computer, I'm probably on water rescue duty on the Baltic coast or trying to counteract the downsides of my geek life - namely sitting for long periods - at the local swimming pool.