PlayStation Plus Steam Compatibility Looks Absolutely Wild

Yes, if you really want to, you can access the majority of games available through PlayStation Plus using a Steam Deck… which sort of feels like it should be illegal, even though it’s an intended feature.

Accessing PlayStation Plus through a Steam device is now possible. If you’d have told me such a thing would eventually be possible ten years ago, I’d have politely but firmly told you that you’re out of your tiny little mind.

But, nope, this is indeed something you can do with the power of the Steam Deck. Whether or not you’ll actually want to, though, is a separate matter entirely.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. You either think that this is complete nonsense, or there are a bunch of hidden (and sketchy) catches.

Well, the former of you would be incorrect. The latter half of you, however, are ever so slightly correct.

Firstly, let’s go over all the stuff you need to pull this off.

Obviously, you’re going to need a Steam Deck, and an active PlayStation Plus subscription. No surprises so far.

However, here’s the catch part: you’re specifically going to need a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription and access to a relatively good internet connection.

That’s because this little loophole takes advantage of Sony’s Cloud Streaming service, which is only available through PlayStation Plus Premium. Also, cloud streaming services in general just require you to have beefy internet speeds (because you’re directly streaming the game onto the system you’re using, not downloading it).

From here, the set-up is pretty simple.

I highly suggest following Retro Pocket’s YouTube guide on the topic if you don’t feel comfortable going at it alone, but all you really have to do is download a program that lets you access launchers through your Steam Deck.

Retro Pocket suggests using Decky Loader for this part, which you can download over on the official Decky Loader website.

Once that’s all done, install the PlayStation Plus launcher, log in, and you’re ready to go.

Keep in mind that only certain games are available through the PlayStation Plus Premium Cloud Streaming service, you’re not going to have access to exactly the same library you would on PlayStation 5.

Also, yeah, this is essentially pointless to do if you plan to play PS Plus games on your PC, or if you own a PlayStation Portal. If not though, it’s a pretty cool alternative.

Really does feel wrong, though. Sort of like playing Microsoft Flight Simulator on a PS5 or somethin– oh, right. Yeah.