> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.kouch.dev/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.kouch.dev/getting-started/install-steam-deck.md). # Install on the Steam Deck Put Kouch on a Steam Deck, add it to Steam in Desktop Mode, and play in Game Mode. Kouch runs on the Steam Deck, and on other SteamOS devices, as an **AppImage**: one file you keep in your home folder. It opens full screen in Game Mode and uses the Deck's own controls, motion included, like any other controller. {% hint style="info" %} The Deck version is early. It has run in Game Mode on a Deck OLED at the screen's full refresh rate. Scrolling a very large library can still drop a few frames. {% endhint %} ## Install 1. Hold the **power** button and choose Desktop Mode from the power menu. 2. Put `Kouch-x86_64.AppImage` in a folder under your home folder, for example `~/Applications`. 3. Right-click the file, open **Properties › Permissions** and turn on **Is executable**. 4. Open **Steam** (still in Desktop Mode) and choose **Games › Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library…**. Choose **Browse…**, pick the AppImage and choose **Add Selected Programs**. 5. Double-click **Return to Gaming Mode** on the desktop. 6. Start **Kouch** from your library. You'll find it under **Non-Steam** in the collections. Kouch opens full screen and starts its [first-run setup](/getting-started/first-run-setup.md). ![First-run setup at the Steam Deck's 1280 × 800](https://3008865259-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FiaV8VKDYJngjWWkPZx0Q%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-e4d44a0ad52fe4493f77d23e6704fdb795e9b542%2Fdeck-setup.png?alt=media) {% hint style="info" %} The first start after an update takes a few seconds before the window appears. Later starts are quick. {% endhint %} ## Already have an Emulation folder? If you've already set up emulation on your Deck with a tool that made an `Emulation` folder (with `roms`, `bios` and `saves` inside), pick that folder in the setup's first step and keep **Use the existing Emulation folder** on. Kouch uses the folder as it is. It only adds what's missing, and it shows you every change before it makes it. See [First-run setup](/getting-started/first-run-setup.md). Emulators installed as **Flatpaks** (from the Discover store) or as **AppImages** both work. If one doesn't start from Kouch, [tell us](/troubleshooting/create-a-report.md). ## Controllers on the Deck The Deck's own controls are a controller like any other: press **A** to join. Other controllers join the same way, up to 8 players. ![The Players screen on the Deck](https://3008865259-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FiaV8VKDYJngjWWkPZx0Q%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-8bd94e3e664e9c6c8bdc9940233cccbb7c961abe%2Fdeck-players.png?alt=media) A keyboard and mouse can be a player on the Deck too, with no extra setup. See [Keyboard and mouse as a player](/controllers/keyboard-and-mouse.md). ## Add your games to Steam's library Kouch can put each of your games in Steam's library as its own entry, one collection per system. In Game Mode that needs the **Kouch Decky plugin**. See [Your games in Steam's library](/steam/steam/steam-library.md). ## Differences from Windows * **Typing.** Steam's on-screen keyboard can't open for a non-Steam game in Game Mode, so Kouch opens its own controller keyboard. See [Typing with a controller](/controllers/typing.md). * **Quick Menu.** In Game Mode the Quick Menu opens over the game the same way as on Windows: hold **Select + Start**. * **Changing Steam's library from inside Kouch** only works in Desktop Mode. In Game Mode, use the Decky plugin. ## Other Linux PCs On a Linux desktop, Kouch also comes as a `.deb` package besides the AppImage. Software centers show it with its name, a short summary and its controller support. Add it to Steam the same way (**Games › Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library…**) and start it from Steam. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.kouch.dev/getting-started/install-steam-deck.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.