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| odus Nexus aims to run supported Microsoft Store and PC Game Pass games on the Steam Deck through SteamOS. |
A new community project called Xodus Nexus is making waves in the Steam Deck community, offering an experimental way to access Microsoft Store and PC Game Pass titles on Valve's Linux-based handheld.
For years, Steam Deck owners have faced an uncomfortable truth: the device's SteamOS foundation, built on Linux, simply doesn't play nice with PC Game Pass. While cloud gaming through a browser works fine, downloading and running Game Pass titles locally has remained the exclusive domain of Windows users—or those brave enough to attempt complicated workarounds.
That status quo might be shifting.
What Is Xodus Nexus?
Xodus Nexus is a launcher designed specifically for Linux systems that aims to provide seamless access to games purchased through the Microsoft Store and those available via PC Game Pass. Users sign into their Microsoft account, browse their available library, and download supported titles directly through the interface.
The launcher builds upon Xodus, a separate open-source project that handles the heavy lifting of running Xbox games on Linux. Nexus wraps this technical foundation in a more traditional game library interface—the kind PC gamers have come to expect.
According to Notebookcheck's original report, the launcher can be added to Steam as a shortcut, meaning it's accessible directly from Gaming Mode. Experimental controller support is included, though the developer cautions that certain login windows and system dialogs may still require a mouse or touchscreen.
This is what the Xodus Nexus launcher's game library looks like. (Pictured: A screenshot from the Xodus Nexus launcher.)
The Compatibility Reality Check
Before you get too excited, temper those expectations.
The developer behind Xodus Nexus has been refreshingly candid about the project's current state. Not all games work. Some have limitations, others experience online connectivity issues, and many simply fail to launch. Perhaps most notably, the developer admits they don't actually own a Steam Deck, meaning the new integration hasn't been personally tested on the hardware.
The official compatibility wiki paints a clearer picture. Drawing from manual testing and user reports, the list reveals a patchwork of results:
- Playable: LIMBO, Balatro
- Partial: World War Z (connects to online services, but matchmaking remains unverified)
- Unverified: Remnant II (starts and exits cleanly, but gameplay details are absent)
- Not Working: The Witcher 3 (currently crashes on launch)
The wiki is careful to note that these results come from individual setups rather than universal compatibility testing. Online services, cloud saves, and anti-cheat support vary significantly by title—and the launcher doesn't bypass any ownership checks or anti-cheat requirements.
Community Feedback: Promising but Rough
Early adopters on Reddit's r/SteamDeck community have shared mixed experiences. Some report working shortcuts and generally functional controller support. Others describe inconsistent controls and frustrating problems loading the game library.
This kind of early feedback is typical for ambitious community projects tackling complex compatibility challenges. The fact that anything works at all is a testament to the dedication of developers refusing to accept the Steam Deck's limitations as permanent.
The store page is designed to let Steam Deck users download games from the Microsoft Store and PC Game Pass. (Pictured: A screenshot from the Xodus Nexus launcher.)
What This Means for Steam Deck Owners
If you've been eyeing PC Game Pass as a way to access Microsoft's catalog on your Steam Deck, Xodus Nexus represents genuine progress—but it's not a finished solution. Think of it as a proof of concept that's slowly maturing into something practical.
The project's open-source nature means it benefits from community contributions and transparency. The compatibility wiki accepts user reports, and the launcher itself continues to receive updates. Whether it eventually becomes a reliable way to play Game Pass titles on SteamOS remains uncertain, but for now, it's the most promising option available.
For those willing to experiment, Xodus Nexus is available now on GitHub. Just keep that Windows dual-boot partition around as a backup—at least for the foreseeable future.