The portable, Linux-driven Steam Deck gaming device is partly popular for its impressive customizability options.
There are many apps you can download to improve performance, allow you to play retro games for free with emulation and customize how games appear on menus. There are also streaming tools to watch your favourite shows on the go and VPNs for security.
Third-party apps are great for all these purposes because they are built by developers who want to contribute to the passionate Steam Deck community and are almost always free.
So, grab your Deck and explore the best performance and customization apps for this handy and powerful device.
Performance Optimization Apps
Performance optimization apps help you monitor how the Deck is using power and adjust the way different components draw that power to convert it in a smart way.
If you’re playing less demanding games with 2D graphics, you can lower the GPU power draw. For more demanding apps, you can increase performance slightly to get a boost and push the tiny Deck to its limits.
- MangoHUD – This app offers real-time FPS (frames per second) monitoring of the screen and performance tracking for the graphics card and processor. These details allow you to see how hard each component is working and adjust settings in the Steam Deck menu to optimize how games run.
- CryoUtilities – Some apps focus on one component, and this is a good example. It optimizes the Steam Deck’s VRAM and swaps settings for better performance. Whatever game you play, the VRAM works efficiently and delivers the most juice to power a smooth and beautiful gaming experience.
- Decky Loader – You need this app to utilize useful plugins to customize your user interface (UI) and tweak your system by stylizing your menus, changing system sounds, adjusting screen saturation, and changing other additional system settings.
Just remember that when you increase power to certain components, it raises temperatures and can damage the device.
Emulation and Retro Gaming
Emulation fits perfectly on the Deck. And the best part is that not only do these apps provide hundreds of retro games for free but they use up a tiny fraction of the battery while they do it. Your first choice should always be EmuDeck to make setup and installation easy for all the other emulation apps.
- EmuDeck – This app is where you need to begin if you want to turn your Deck into an old-school gaming device that uses emulation to play retro games. EmuDeck Simplifies the installation and setup of emulators to cut out the hassle and have you playing before you can say Super Nintendo Entertainment System.
- RetroArch – RetroArch doens’t seem to come up often in Steam Deck communities. It’s a shame because this app is a powerful all-in-one emulator solution for multiple platforms. Try it out today and you’ll see what we mean.
- Dolphin – Dolphin is an emulation app for Nintendo console games. It supports games for GameCube/Wii and Switch emulation for Steam Deck. Be mindful that Nintendo has shut down Nintendo emulators before, so it may just be a matter of time before Dolphin disappears.
When downloading these emulators, be aware that legality is sometimes an issue. Nintendo had a thing or two to say about Yuzu and shut it down, for example. But don’t worry; users will not be prosecuted for playing emulated games.
VPNs for Security and Region Unlocking
You need to stay safe when you game on the go, just like with any other device. Luckily, thanks to the Deck’s Linux OS, it supports many VPN options to hide your IP address.
Beyond privacy, VPNs also allow Deck users to bypass geolocation restrictions. Just bear in mind that a VPN can’t trick Steam into thinking you are from a different country to get cheaper games.
To install a VPN on the Deck, begin your subscription for a paid or a free VPN, then follow these instructions:
- Open System Settings.
- Under Network, click on Connections.
- Click the “+” for “Add a Connection”.
- Scroll down to the type of VPN you want.
- Enter the VPN information for your VPN type.
Conclusion
The Steam Deck is a wildly customizable device, so it would be a waste to add as many apps as you can.
Apps can allow you to customize the UI, view and adjust the performance of components, play retro games with emulation apps, and ensure mobile security with VPNs.
All these apps enhance the Deck experience and remind us why we all love Steam: It is always open to consumer-friendly practices like downloading whatever you want to do whatever you like on their devices.
So get experimenting and find the best setup for you today.
