Yes, you can play Minecraft on the Steam Deck
As both a passionate gamer and content creator focused on the world of gaming, I receive many questions about running popular games on Valve‘s new Steam Deck portable PC. One common question is: can you play Minecraft on the Steam Deck? The answer is a resounding yes.
Installing Minecraft on Steam Deck
Even though Minecraft is not available directly through Steam, there are a couple methods to install Minecraft on the Steam Deck:
- Minecraft Java Edition – Install the original Java-based Minecraft via the official game launcher from Minecraft.net. For modding Java Edition, third party launchers like PolyMC or MultiMC are recommended.
- Minecraft Bedrock Edition – Install the Microsoft Store version designed for Windows by switching the Steam Deck to Windows OS. Or try the Linux bedrock version available through Flatpak.
I prefer using Java Edition over Bedrock for the superior mod support. Launchers like PolyMC make installing and managing mods a breeze.
How Well Does Minecraft Perform on the Steam Deck?
The Steam Deck is equipped with a custom AMD APU capable of 1.0-1.6 GHz clock speeds paired with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM. This provides enough graphical horsepower to run Minecraft smoothly.
| Performance Metric | Expectation |
|---|---|
| Framerate @ Default Settings | 60-80 FPS |
| Framerate @ Max Settings | 30-45 FPS |
| Load Times | 12-18 seconds |
The above expectations are based on benchmarks conducted by Retro Game Corps on the 64GB Steam Deck model. Of course the 512GB NVMe SSD model will load game assets faster.
Enabling mods and shaders will tax performance depending on complexity. But the Steam Deck has enough headroom to handle most shader packs and visual upgrades.
Steam Deck Provides an Exceptional Portable Minecraft Experience
Simply put, the Steam Deck is an incredible portable platform for playing Minecraft. The ability to install game-enhancing mods with just a few clicks enables experiences far beyond what is possible on Nintendo Switch.
Installing Optifine and shader packs like Sildur‘s Vibrant Shaders can completely transform the visuals from vanilla Minecraft. Framerates will take a hit compared to default graphics settings but the Steam Deck keeps gameplay smooth.
Controls are mapped intuitively for controller play but keybinding options exist for fine tuning. Battery life varies from 2-6 hours depending on resource demands. Carrying an external battery pack or charging cable is recommended for extended sessions away from an outlet.
For audio, I recommend adding portable speakers or wired headphones rather than relying on the Steam Deck‘s built-in speakers and microphone.
And for those interested in streaming their gameplay from the Steam Deck, apps like OBS Studio work great for live broadcasting game footage to platforms like Twitch and YouTube. Just connect the Steam Deck to a WiFi network and configure your stream settings.
Comparing the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch for Minecraft
The Nintendo Switch is limited to the Bedrock version of Minecraft from the Microsoft Store. And the Switch lacks support for installing mods, texture packs, and custom shaders. Storage space is also restricted compared to Steam Deck‘s microSD card expansion slot.
However, the Switch has better battery efficiency when playing Minecraft with estimates around 5-9 hours per charge. The OLED screen provides gorgeous visuals although max resolution is still lower than Steam Deck‘s 1280×800 display.
But for players interested in modding Minecraft or boosting performance via Optifine tweaks, the Steam Deck is superior. Its status as a handheld PC with Linux flexibility enables Minecraft opportunities far beyond vanilla gameplay.
So while the Nintendo Switch is more accessible thanks to its simple plug-and-play interface, the Steam Deck brings exceptional performance, versatility, and customization for the ultimate portable Minecraft experience.
