Can Valve’s Steam Deck Support Epic Games Store Shopping?

Valve’s Steam Deck is a groundbreaking portable gaming device that has garnered significant attention since its release. It’s a handheld PC, offering a vast range of features and functionalities that are typically associated with desktop PCs. Gamers and enthusiasts are always keen to explore what this device can do, including its ability to access and shop on the Epic Games Store.

Understanding the Valve Steam Deck

The Valve Steam Deck is a powerful and portable gaming handheld that combines the essential components of a premium PC in a compact and lightweight form factor. It runs on a custom-designed ARM-based AMD CPU and features a 7-inch touchscreen, 128800 resolution display, two shoulder buttons, numerical control stick, and motion sensors. The device is equipped with 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB of internal storage and has the ability to expand memory up to 2TB through micro-SD card slots.

One of the standout features of the Steam Deck is its ability to run a wide variety of games that are usually associated with more powerful hardware setups. This is because the Steam Deck is optimized to run a broad range of titles, many of which originally require more substantial PC configurations.

Shopping on the Epic Games Store via Steam Deck

While the primary focus of the Steam Deck is to run Steam games, its compatibility and versatility might extend to other gaming platforms. Many users are curious about whether the Steam Deck can support the Epic Games Store and facilitate shopping for new games.

So, the question remains: Can the Steam Deck be used to shop on the Epic Games Store? The short answer is yes, but with some caveats.

Support for Other Platforms

Valve has always aimed to create a device that can run a wide variety of games and support different ecosystems. While the Steam Deck is primarily designed to work with the Steam platform, it is not built exclusively for it. The device is equipped with an internet connection and can access a wide range of online resources. This means that it has the potential to support other digital storefronts. However, the specific support for the Epic Games Store depends on how Valve implements it and what resources are available to support such functionality.

Third-Party App Support

The Steam Deck is designed to have third-party app support through Linux, which is the underlying operating system. While not all applications will work seamlessly out of the box, the potential exists for users to find and install applications that might include support for the Epic Games Store.

It is important to note that Valve has historically been cautious about pre-installing software other than its own. However, given the competitive nature of the gaming market and the potential for additional revenue opportunities, it’s conceivable that Valve might provide native support for the Epic Games Store in future firmware updates or through third-party developer support.

Workarounds and Customization

For those who want to access the Epic Games Store on their Steam Deck, there are workarounds and customization options available. One approach is to use browser-based methods to access the Epic Games Store through the Steam Deck’s built-in web browser. Another method is to use a third-party app that supports web browsing and might have the ability to integrate with the Epic Games Store.

While these solutions work, they might not be as seamless or streamlined as the native integration would be. This could be a point of contention for some users who prefer a more integrated and user-friendly experience.

Conclusion

The Valve Steam Deck is a powerful tool for PC gaming on the go. While its primary focus is on Steam, the potential for integration with other platforms like the Epic Games Store is not outside the realm of possibility. Whether Valve decides to support the Epic Games Store directly or through user-led initiatives, the Steam Deck’s flexibility and compatibility mean that it can be adapted to meet the needs of a wide range of users.

For now, while the Steam Deck can potentially be used to shop on the Epic Games Store, the experience might be less than ideal. However, with the continuous updates and evolution of the device, it is likely that we will see more integrations and features that enhance the user experience across different gaming platforms.