Playing games on a handheld gaming PC, such as the Steam Deck, opens up a world of possibilities. However, some games that are not available on Linux-powered handhelds can now be accessed through services like GeForce Now. While streaming games on a handheld device can save battery life, installing GeForce Now has not always been a straightforward process. Thankfully, Nvidia has released new installation files that simplify the process for Steam Deck users.
The new GeForce Now installation files are now compatible with Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Legion Go, and the MSI Claw. These files come with a script that automatically installs Google Chrome, the preferred web browser for running GeForce Now. Additionally, the script optimizes Chrome’s launch options for each handheld device. This is a significant improvement for users who struggled with manual setup in the past.
You may be wondering why a browser-based game streaming service is required on the Steam Deck. The answer lies in the compatibility of controller configurations. Using Google Chrome, which does not support the Steam Deck’s controller configurations by default, requires additional tweaks to enable seamless gameplay on services like GeForce Now.
Having downloaded and tested the script on a Steam Deck, I can confirm that it simplifies the installation process significantly. The script automatically sets up Nvidia GeForce Now on the Steam Deck by installing Google Chrome (if not already installed), adjusting Chrome’s settings for gamepad use, and adding a GeForce Now shortcut to Steam. This streamlined approach makes it much easier for newcomers to get started with GeForce Now on their handheld devices.
While the script takes care of most of the setup process, users may still need to tweak the gamepad settings in Steam to ensure optimal performance within the newly created GeForce Now shortcut. Configuring the Steam Deck’s controller settings for GeForce Now to ‘Gamepad with Joystick Trackpad’ is recommended for a seamless gaming experience. Additionally, users can customize the controller configuration for individual games by accessing the Steam overlay.
While the new script makes installing GeForce Now on the Steam Deck a more user-friendly experience, many users are still hoping for an official application developed by Nvidia specifically for Steam. While discussions regarding an official app have taken place in the past, simplifying the installation process through scripts like this one is a step in the right direction for enhancing the gaming experience on handheld devices.
The new GeForce Now installation files for Steam Deck and other handheld gaming PCs streamline the process of setting up game streaming services. With the script handling most of the installation steps, users can now enjoy GeForce Now on their handheld devices with minimal hassle. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect further improvements in simplifying access to gaming services on a variety of devices.
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