Xbox Cloud Gaming on Steam Deck

If you want Game Pass games on a Steam Deck without an unofficial launcher, Microsoft’s own option is Xbox Cloud Gaming in the Edge browser. Games stream from Microsoft’s servers, so nothing is installed and compatibility is not an issue.

Xodus Nexus vs Xbox Cloud Gaming

	Xodus Nexus	Xbox Cloud Gaming
Made by	Independent developer	Microsoft
How games run	Installed and run on your device	Streamed from Microsoft’s servers
Works offline	After setup, depends on the game	No
Game choice	Supported PC games you own or can access	The cloud catalogue
Steam Deck	Experimental	Supported through Edge

How to set up Xbox Cloud Gaming on Steam Deck

In Desktop Mode, install Microsoft Edge from Discover.
Open xbox.com/play in Edge and sign in with your Microsoft account.
Add Edge to Steam as a Non-Steam game so it appears in Game Mode, and set the controller layout so the Deck’s buttons work as a gamepad.
Start it from Game Mode and pick a game.

Microsoft first published these steps in 2022 and has changed details since. Check Microsoft’s current Xbox Support article for the exact launch options before relying on them.

Which should you use?

Use cloud gaming if you want the official route, have a fast connection and your game is in the cloud catalogue. Try Xodus Nexus if you want games installed locally on a Linux PC and are comfortable with an unofficial, fast-changing tool. Start with the install guide and the compatible games list.

Cloud gaming questions

Is Xbox Cloud Gaming official on Steam Deck?

Yes. Microsoft announced Xbox Cloud Gaming for Steam Deck through the Microsoft Edge browser in 2022, after working with Valve.

Which subscription do I need?

Xbox Cloud Gaming has been part of Game Pass Ultimate. Check Microsoft’s current plans, as tiers and names change.

Does cloud gaming need a fast connection?

Yes. Games stream from Microsoft’s servers, so a stable, fast connection matters more than your device’s hardware.

Back to the Xodus Nexus guide.