Xbox Cloud Gaming now works on Steam Deck through the web

If you are willing to put in some work, you can double as an Xbox Cloud Gaming handheld. The Edge browser has been updated to include support for the Xbox Cloud gaming service. After you install Edge, you will need to run some command line tasks, but you can also play games on the internet if you have a fast internet connection.

Community Manager Missy Quarry made clear that this was just the beginning of gaming on Edge, suggesting that the experience might get better. Microsoft is open to feedback on Edge and the Xbox Cloud gaming experience.

Microsoft has devoted a lot of time to the support of the steam deck. Deathloop and Psychonauts 2 are verified to play properly, and it outlined first-party game support for Valve's handheld. Basic Windows support was enabled by Valve.

Microsoft supports the Steam Deck despite its use of a Linux-based platform. Microsoft makes money from the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, but also gets you to try Edge and games you might have otherwise ignored. The company could gain long-term customers if it lost immediate Windows sales.