The Steam Deck, Valve’s powerful handheld gaming console, has taken the portable gaming world by storm. However, in addition to playing your favorite PC games on the go, the Steam Deck can double as a compact media device. If you’ve ever wanted to watch movies or TV shows on your Steam Deck—either during travel, while lying in bed, or just taking a break from gaming—this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make that happen effectively and efficiently.
Why Use the Steam Deck to Watch Movies?
With a 7-inch LCD touchscreen, stereo speakers, and a fully functional Linux-based operating system, the Steam Deck offers an ample multimedia experience. Whether you’re accessing movies through local storage, streaming services, or even running media player software like VLC, the Steam Deck is versatile enough to serve as an entertainment center.
Step-by-Step Guide to Watching Movies on Steam Deck
Step 1: Choose How You Want to Watch Movies
The Steam Deck allows for multiple methods of watching movies:
- Streaming Platforms (e.g., Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Prime Video)
- Local Movie Files saved to your internal storage or SD card
- Network Streaming using Plex or Jellyfin
Each method requires a slightly different setup. Let’s tackle each option individually.
Step 2: Switch to Desktop Mode
By default, the Steam Deck boots into Gaming Mode, geared toward launching games. To access all movie viewing options, especially streaming services and media file managers, you’ll first need to open Desktop Mode.
- Hold down the Power Button.
- Select “Switch to Desktop” from the power menu.
This mode transforms your Steam Deck into a Linux desktop interface based on KDE Plasma, giving you full access to applications and the web browser.
Step 3: Watching via Streaming Services
In Desktop Mode, you can use the built-in Firefox or Chromium browsers to access all your favorite streaming sites.
- Open the pre-installed browser (or install one via the Discover app store).
- Visit the website of the streaming service you subscribe to.
- Login and start watching, just like you would on a PC.
Alternatively, you can install Android versions of streaming apps using emulation software, although this requires more advanced setup and is not recommended for casual users.
Step 4: Playing Local Movie Files
If you prefer to keep your movies downloaded, the Steam Deck can handle common file formats like MP4, MKV, and AVI with ease. Here’s what to do:
- Connect your Steam Deck to your PC using a USB-C cable or insert a microSD card that contains your movie files.
- Transfer movie files to a folder on the Steam Deck or leave them on the SD card to save space.
- Install a media player like VLC or SMPlayer via the Discover app in Desktop Mode.
- Open the media player and browse to the location of your movie file.
- Double-click the file to begin playback.
Pro Tip: VLC is widely regarded as the most compatible and user-friendly video player available for Linux and Windows alike. It supports subtitles, multiple audio tracks, and even 4K videos.
Step 5: Streaming Your Own Media Using Plex or Jellyfin
If you host your media collection on a home server or another computer in your local network, you can use tools like Plex or Jellyfin to stream content directly to your Steam Deck.
- Ensure that Plex Server or Jellyfin Server is running on your host device.
- Switch your Steam Deck into Desktop Mode.
- Open a browser and go to your server’s local address (e.g., http://yourserver.local:32400).
- Login and browse your media content.
Streaming over your home network is a fantastic, storage-efficient way to access a vast media library without filling up your Deck’s internal storage or microSD card.
Optional Enhancements
For users who want to improve their movie-watching experience on the Steam Deck, here are a few suggestions:
Use Bluetooth Headphones for Better Sound
While the built-in speakers are decent, pairing Bluetooth headphones or earbuds will provide better audio immersion when watching dialogue-heavy films or action-packed sequences.
Connect an External Display
You can hook up your Steam Deck to a TV or monitor using a USB-C hub with HDMI output. This allows for a movie-theater-like experience on a large screen. Don’t forget to use a wireless controller or mouse for easier navigation when docked.
Install Kodi for an All-in-One Media Center
Kodi is a powerful media center application that supports local file playback, streaming plugins, and even Netflix integration through community add-ons.
- Install Kodi via Discover in Desktop Mode.
- Add your local directories or streaming source URLs.
- Customize your interface, add metadata, and personalize your media library.
Returning to Gaming Mode for Easy Access
Once you’ve arranged your viewing setup—whether it’s streaming, local or network-based—you can add media apps like VLC or Kodi directly to your Steam Gaming Mode Library. Here’s how:
- In Desktop Mode, open Steam.
- Click on “Add a Non-Steam Game”.
- Select the installed app (Kodi, VLC, Firefox, etc.).
- Click “Add Selected Programs”.
- Reboot into Gaming Mode and access the app from your Library.
This method simplifies the user experience by letting you open movie apps with the same interface used for games, making switching between gaming and watching seamless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Steam Deck play 4K movies?
Yes, technically, the Steam Deck can handle 4K playback, but its screen resolution is limited to 1280×800. However, when connected to an external monitor or TV that supports 4K, it can output higher resolutions successfully.
Can you install Android apps on Steam Deck?
Not natively. You’d need to install an Android OS or use emulation software like Anbox or Waydroid, which requires technical expertise and carries some risk. Web versions of Android apps are usually the safer bet.
Do streaming services like Netflix work well?
Absolutely. Most popular services are functional through desktop web browsers. However, due to Digital Rights Management (DRM), occasionally some services will block playback or scale quality. Firefox generally offers the best support for DRM playback on Linux.
Final Thoughts
With a bit of configuration, the Steam Deck quickly transforms into a powerful, versatile movie-watching machine. Whether you’re streaming from Netflix, playing videos stored on your SD card, or hosting your own Plex server, the device handles it all smoothly. Taking advantage of Desktop Mode and installing apps like VLC, Kodi, or a web browser can maximize your entertainment options far beyond gaming.
Whether you’re at home or on the road, keep your Steam Deck fully charged, your headphones ready, and your favorite shows queued up—because this small device is built to deliver not just high-octane gaming, but also a rich multimedia experience.
){kind=link}