A new addition has landed on the Steam Store that’s sure to pique the interest of gamers who love the Steam Deck. It’s called Junk Store, a plugin allowing you to run third-party game platforms like Epic Games and GOG directly within Steam Deck’s Gaming Mode. Shoutout to GamingOnLinux for highlighting this intriguing development. Much like Decky Loader—known for letting developers expand the capabilities of this handheld console—Junk Store aims to integrate smoothly and officially without needing users to delve into technical tweaks.
As detailed in its Steam listing, Junk Store is now live on Steam. This latest version has been completely reworked to operate independently of Decky Loader, letting players install games from the Epic and GOG stores straight from the game mode. This makes for a more streamlined experience for those who prefer gaming over tinkering.
The developers, sharing insights on Reddit’s r/JunkStore, set up Junk Store’s Steam Store page as a way to measure interest via ‘Add to Wishlist’ clicks. It’s important to note, however, that this first step doesn’t guarantee its availability in the Steam library. Valve still needs to review the software before any final release. The team sees Valve’s approval of the page as a subtle nod of recognition for their efforts.
A key point to mention is that Junk Store won’t be a free, open-source tool. The developers had to rebuild it from the ground up to ensure it runs smoothly on SteamOS, bypassing some of Decky Loader’s features. As for the cost, they’re still in the phase of determining development expenses and gauging community interest, so pricing details remain under wraps. And with a small two-person team helming this project, they haven’t yet committed to a launch window.
The developers understand the significance of being the first Steam Deck plugin to potentially secure a spot in the app store. This move could very well set a new standard, enhancing the overall experience for gamers and developers within the Steam community.
For those who enjoy customizing and tweaking their Steam Deck setups, sticking with Decky Loader might suffice. But for the majority who prefer a hassle-free gaming experience, Junk Store could offer a convenient way to access and enjoy all the games purchased on other platforms.
