Microsoft announced that Xbox Cloud Gaming is now supported on the Steam Deck through the Microsoft Edge browser, enabled by a new Edge Beta build for the device.
The companies said Microsoft collaborated with Valve to make the streaming service usable on the Steam Deck. Previously, Steam Deck users could reach the Xbox streaming site, but could not use the handheld’s physical controls to play.
Edge Beta adds Steam Deck controller support
Microsoft released a Microsoft Edge Beta version tailored for the Steam Deck that includes support for Xbox Cloud Gaming. According to Missy Quarry, Community Manager for Microsoft Edge, the teams worked together to bring “Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate via Microsoft Edge Beta for Steam Deck.”
Quarry added that the company is “particularly excited” because this change could create new opportunities within the Linux gaming community.
Why streaming is needed for Game Pass titles
Although several Xbox Game Studios titles can run natively on the Steam Deck, Xbox Game Pass itself is not distributed through Steam. That means subscribers who want to play Game Pass titles on the handheld will need to stream them from Microsoft’s service rather than install them directly from Steam.
What changes for Steam Deck users
With the Linux version of Microsoft Edge updated, Steam Deck players can now use the device’s controls when accessing Xbox Cloud Gaming through the browser. The announcement frames the release as a beta experience tied to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and the Microsoft Edge Beta channel.
Have you watched our new videos on YouTube? Subscribe to our channel!
