A new player has emerged on the Steam Store, offering something intriguing for Steam Deck users: Junk Store, a plugin designed to seamlessly integrate third-party platforms like Epic Games and GOG into Steam Deck’s Gaming Mode. Big thanks to GamingOnLinux for highlighting this development. Much like Decky Loader, an open-source tool for adding features to the Steam Deck, Junk Store aims to streamline the process by running as an officially recognized app, saving users from having to tweak settings behind the scenes. It’s all about simplifying access to games for those who prefer to keep things straightforward.
The Steam listing describes Junk Store as a “standalone version, built from scratch to eliminate the reliance on Decky Loader.” Excitingly, this means users can install games from the Epic Games Store and GOG directly within the game mode now, enriching their gaming experience without extra hassle.
In a post shared on the r/JunkStore subreddit, the developers revealed that they’ve launched a Steam Store page to measure community interest, using the number of ‘Add to Wishlist’ clicks as a potential gauge. However, this step doesn’t guarantee its official debut in the Steam library, as Valve still needs to review the software before any final release. Yet, the developers viewed the page’s approval as a subtle nod from Valve, hinting at promising prospects.
Unfortunately, Junk Store won’t be free or open-source through Steam. This stems from the need for a complete rebuild to ensure it functions smoothly with SteamOS, departing from some of the handy features Decky Loader provides. As for pricing, they’ve yet to determine the cost, stating they’re still figuring out development expenses and gauging community interest. Given their small team of just two, there’s no release date in sight.
Despite these uncertainties, the developers are keenly aware of the significance of their breakthrough as the first Steam Deck plugin to potentially appear in the app store. They hope this initiative sets a positive precedent, benefiting gamers, developers, and the wider Steam community.
For those who enjoy tinkering and aren’t afraid of diving into settings, sticking with Decky Loader might be the way to go, as it remains free and allows for customization. But for the typical user who just wants to jump into their games without any fuss, Junk Store could be the perfect solution, offering easy access to their game libraries from different platforms all in one place.
