The Steam Deck changed portable gaming when Valve launched it in 2022. This handheld gaming PC runs a full Linux-based operating system and plays thousands of titles from your Steam library. But gaming is just the beginning. Steam Deck examples extend far beyond AAA titles and indie games. Users run emulators, stream movies, browse the web, and even use productivity software. Some owners have turned their devices into retro gaming machines. Others use them as portable workstations. This guide covers the best Steam Deck examples across gaming, emulation, productivity, entertainment, and customization. Whether you’re considering a purchase or want to unlock more potential from your device, these use cases show what Valve’s handheld can really do.
Key Takeaways
- Steam Deck examples go far beyond gaming—users enjoy emulation, productivity, media streaming, and deep customization on Valve’s handheld PC.
- Over 12,000 games are Verified or Playable on Steam Deck, including major titles like Elden Ring, Baldur’s Gate 3, and Cyberpunk 2077.
- Emulation tools like EmuDeck turn the Steam Deck into a retro gaming machine capable of running consoles from Atari 2600 to PlayStation 3.
- Desktop Mode transforms the device into a Linux PC for browsing, word processing, coding, and cloud-based productivity tasks.
- Streaming apps like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube make the Steam Deck a versatile portable entertainment hub.
- Open software and tools like Decky Loader let users customize themes, install plugins, upgrade hardware, and even dual-boot Windows.
Gaming Library Compatibility
The Steam Deck plays a massive portion of the PC gaming library. Valve’s Proton compatibility layer translates Windows games to run on the device’s Linux-based SteamOS. As of late 2024, over 12,000 games carry the “Verified” or “Playable” badge on Steam.
Steam Deck examples in the gaming category include major titles like Elden Ring, Baldur’s Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077, and Hades. The device handles these games at solid framerates, typically 30-60 FPS depending on settings. Indie games shine particularly well. Titles like Stardew Valley, Hollow Knight, and Dead Cells run flawlessly and feel perfect for handheld play.
The Steam Deck also supports games from other PC storefronts. Players install the Heroic Games Launcher to access Epic Games Store and GOG libraries. This opens up hundreds of additional titles, including Epic exclusives and DRM-free classics.
Multiplayer games work too, though anti-cheat software creates some limitations. Games using Easy Anti-Cheat or BattlEye need developer support to function on Linux. Apex Legends, Fall Guys, and Destiny 2 work after updates enabled compatibility. Some competitive titles like Fortnite still don’t support the platform.
For the best Steam Deck examples in gaming performance, users often tweak settings. Lowering resolution to 720p, capping framerates at 40 FPS, and adjusting FSR upscaling can dramatically improve battery life while maintaining visual quality. The 7-inch 800p display makes these compromises nearly invisible in handheld mode.
Emulation and Retro Gaming
Emulation represents one of the most popular Steam Deck examples outside standard PC gaming. The device runs emulators for dozens of classic consoles and handhelds. Its AMD APU provides enough power to emulate systems ranging from the Atari 2600 to the PlayStation 3.
EmuDeck simplifies the setup process. This all-in-one installer configures emulators, organizes ROM folders, and integrates everything into the Steam interface. Users can launch NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, PlayStation, and Sega Genesis games directly from their Steam library.
More demanding emulation works surprisingly well. GameCube and Wii games run through Dolphin at full speed. PlayStation 2 titles play smoothly via PCSX2. The Steam Deck even handles some PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Switch emulation, though performance varies by game.
RetroArch serves as another popular option. This frontend supports multiple emulator cores and offers consistent controls, shaders, and save states across platforms. Handheld consoles like the Game Boy Advance, PSP, and Nintendo DS feel particularly natural on the Steam Deck’s portable form factor.
These Steam Deck examples turn the device into an all-in-one retro gaming machine. Players carry decades of gaming history in their pocket. The controls map well to classic games, and the screen size works great for older titles designed for TVs or smaller handhelds.
Productivity and Desktop Use
The Steam Deck functions as a full Linux PC. Press the power button and select Desktop Mode to access KDE Plasma, a complete desktop environment. From here, users can browse the web, write documents, and run standard applications.
Productivity Steam Deck examples include word processing with LibreOffice, web browsing with Firefox, and note-taking with various Linux apps. The device connects to USB-C hubs, allowing users to attach keyboards, mice, and external monitors. This transforms the handheld into a functional desktop workstation.
Some users run development tools on their Steam Deck. Visual Studio Code works well for coding on the go. The terminal provides access to standard Linux command-line utilities. Developers have used the device for light programming, SSH connections to remote servers, and Git repository management.
Cloud-based workflows expand these capabilities further. Google Docs, Microsoft 365 web apps, and Notion run through the browser. These Steam Deck examples show the device can handle basic office tasks during travel or downtime.
The hardware has limitations for serious productivity work. The 7-inch screen feels cramped for spreadsheets or extended writing. Battery life drops significantly in Desktop Mode compared to gaming. But for quick tasks, checking emails, or working in a pinch, the Steam Deck proves surprisingly capable.
Media Streaming and Entertainment
The Steam Deck doubles as a portable media player. Users install streaming apps to watch movies, shows, and videos on the 7-inch display. The screen’s 800p resolution and 60Hz refresh rate handle video content well.
Popular Steam Deck examples for streaming include Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. These services work through browser-based access or dedicated Linux apps installed via Flatpak. YouTube runs natively, and users can install third-party clients for ad-free viewing.
Spotify and other music services provide audio entertainment. Podcast apps like AntennaPod work in Desktop Mode. Some users listen to music or podcasts while gaming by running apps in the background.
The Steam Deck also supports local media playback. VLC Media Player handles nearly any video or audio format. Users load movies onto microSD cards for offline viewing during flights or road trips. This creates a capable entertainment device beyond gaming.
Steam Remote Play offers another streaming option. Players can stream games from a more powerful desktop PC to their Steam Deck over Wi-Fi. This enables AAA titles at higher settings than the handheld could run locally. In-home streaming works best, but some users configure remote access for gaming away from home.
These media-focused Steam Deck examples show the device’s versatility. It serves as a gaming machine, streaming device, and music player in one portable package.
Modding and Customization
The Steam Deck runs on open software, and Valve encourages tinkering. Users customize nearly every aspect of their device, from the operating system to physical accessories.
Software customization starts with plugins and themes. Decky Loader enables a plugin system that adds features to the Steam interface. Users install battery indicators, performance overlays, quick settings toggles, and visual themes. CSS Loader changes the appearance of menus, buttons, and backgrounds.
More advanced Steam Deck examples involve operating system changes. Some users dual-boot Windows alongside SteamOS. This provides access to games with broken Proton compatibility and software that requires Windows. Others install alternative Linux distributions like Bazzite or ChimeraOS for different feature sets.
Hardware modifications extend customization further. The Steam Deck’s SSD can be upgraded for more storage. Users replace the stock 256GB or 512GB drives with 1TB or 2TB options. Hall effect joystick replacements offer improved durability and eliminate stick drift concerns.
Physical accessories round out the customization options. Screen protectors, cases, and skins change the device’s look and protection level. Docks enable TV play with controllers. Third-party back buttons and grip accessories improve ergonomics for extended sessions.
These Steam Deck examples demonstrate the community’s creativity. The open platform invites experimentation, and users continue finding new ways to modify and improve their devices.
