New launcher enables Xbox Game Pass on Steam Deck

A new software called Xodus Nexus allows users to run Xbox Game Pass games on the Steam Deck without needing an internet connection. It was developed by a user named domsvoboda and published on GitHub, a platform where programmers share and collaborate on code.

Xodus Nexus uses open-source components

The software is based on Xodus, an open-source project that handles the connection to Microsoft accounts, verifies game licenses, and manages game downloads. It then uses a modified version of Proton, a compatibility layer that lets Windows games run on Linux-based systems like the Steam Deck.

Some games work, others do not

Recent Xbox Game Pass titles, such as Gears of War: E-Day, function well, including online multiplayer. However, older games in the UWP format, like The Witcher 3 and Gears of War 4, are not yet playable with Xodus Nexus. Cloud saves also work on some titles, allowing players to continue their progress across different devices.

Steam Deck support is experimental

While Xodus Nexus can run on the Steam Deck, the experience is still experimental. The controller is functional but not ideal for navigation, and the touchscreen is more practical. Performance may also be worse than on Steam versions, as the shared shader cache that reduces stuttering is not available in this setup.

Xodus Nexus is free and easy to install

Xodus Nexus is available for free download from GitHub as an AppImage file, which can run on Linux systems without requiring installation. On first launch, users must connect to their Microsoft account to access their Xbox Game Pass library.