under-$50 useful gadgets). These are the most innovative applications of a Steam Deck we could locate that steer clear of gaming — some relating to hardware, some to software — but all ingenious, showcasing just how adaptable the Steam Deck can be.
Let’s begin with the fundamentals, though: Almost all the additional applications we’ll highlight today depend on desktop mode, so what is it, and how do you utilize it? The Steam Deck operates on Linux in the background and features a custom interface atop a conventional KDE desktop. To access it, just press the Steam button, then choose Power, followed by Switch to Desktop. If you haven’t done this previously, it might feel a bit unsettling to discover that a full desktop OS is functioning behind the scenes. There are some distinctions from Windows, but most features should feel familiar. The key aspect to grasp is the Discover store, KDE’s official application store, where you’ll find most of the software discussed today. It’s represented by the little blue shopping bag icon, the third one in the bottom left. Click that, and you’ll unlock a plethora of software.
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While Valve can be very accommodating with hardware replacements beyond warranty, sometimes mishaps occur and you may end up with a non-functioning Steam Deck. But it’s far from worthless. ETA Prime illustrates this by purchasing a damaged, disassembled Steam Deck, and then strips it down to essentially just the motherboard. With an external USB-C dock
