

It's how Valve has been able to attract Linux users over the years, and how hundreds of games have been made available to play on the console. The Steam Deck runs the Linux-based SteamOS, which uses a Proton compatibility layer to make games created for Windows PCs available to run on Linux systems, and therefore, on Steam Deck. To get even more from the handheld, you can also run various non-game apps. You can hook the console up to a TV or monitor or stream PC games directly to the device. There's a lot you can do with the Steam Deck. While the process can be complicated and a bit finicky (depending on your level of comfort with Linux), the steps themselves are straightforward to follow.

Thanks to its Linux-based SteamOS, you can download from thousands of non-game apps like Discord, web browsers, email, retro game emulators, and more. The Steam Deck is a great handheld for playing PC games away from your desk, but it’s also a robust platform that can do a lot more.
