Prepare Steam deck An excellent handheld gaming console. However, it Not just for gamingIt can be used as a versatile portable entertainment device that allows you to watch movies and videos on the go. Whether you want to stream online content or watch movies offline, the Steam Deck has everything you need. Here's how to watch movies on the Steam Deck.
In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to watch your favorite movies on Steam Deck. What's more? You can also use Steam Deck to stream content to a larger screen. So, let's jump right into the process.
Watch YouTube, Netflix, or other streaming sites on Steam Deck
The best way to watch movies and videos on your Steam Deck is online. While you can't install dedicated apps for streaming sites, you can access them via a web browser. Here's how.
Step 1: Make sure your Steam Deck is connected to the internet. To do this, press the button Steam located on your console. In the pop-up menu, select Settings.
Step 2: Now, tap on the option Internet From the sidebar. Then connect to the network. Wi-Fi Of your choice.
Step 4: Locate Switch to desktop from the popup menu.
Step 6: Now, in the address bar, enter URL To the streaming site you want to access.
Tip: You can access any website like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video Or YouTube. In this guide, we'll use Netflix.
Step 8: After logging into your account, start watching movies. If the website asks you to enable Digital Rights Management (DRM), you'll receive a notification at the top. Simply click Enable DRM to follow.
What streaming services are compatible with Steam Deck?
When it comes to streaming sites, you might be wondering which streaming services you can actually access on Steam Deck. The good news is that Steam Deck, in its desktop mode, functions just like a regular desktop. As a result, you can access any streaming service through a web browser, as long as it's supported in your location. Some popular streaming services supported by Steam Deck include:
- Netflix
- Hulu
- Amazon Prime Video
- Disney +
- HBO Max
- YouTube
- Apple TV +
- Crunchyroll
- Funimation
- Twitch
- Vimeo
Additionally, if there is a website hosting the video, you can easily access it using the web browser on your Steam Deck.
Watch movies and videos offline on Steam Deck
If you don't have an internet connection or prefer to watch movies offline, you can also watch movies on Steam Deck stored on your device's internal storage or an external storage device. To watch movies offline on Steam Deck, you must download the media player app.
There are several media player applications available for the Steam Deck. We'll use VLC media player for this demonstration.
Step 1: Open the app launcher and go to All apps > Discover.
Alternatively, if you're browsing this website from your Steam Deck, click the button below to download VLC to your Steam Deck directly.
Alternatively, you can transfer data using an external storage device such as: microSD card.
Step 6: Within VLC media player, click the Media option in the menu bar. Then select the “Open file…”
Step 7: Now navigate to the folder containing the video file you want to play. Once done, highlight it and click "to open".
List of the best media players for Steam Deck
Aside from VLC, there are plenty of media players for the Steam Deck. Additionally, there are media managers you can use to organize and view your media library. Some of the best media players for the Steam Deck are:
- VLC Media Player
- SMPlayer
- Haruna Media Player
- Plasma Tube
- MPV
- Kodi
- plex
Otherwise, you can check out media players like Elisa, Amberol, and Vvave if you prefer listening to music files. Alternatively, Kasts is a great app for listening to podcasts on Steam Deck.
Watch movies on a bigger screen with Steam Deck
If you want to watch movies on a larger screen, connect your Steam Deck to a TV or monitor. You'll need a USB-C to HDMI cable to do this. Alternatively, you can also use the Steam Deck base. Once the cable is connected, select your desired display output option.
Once finished, you can play the media file on your TV, monitor, or other external display connected to your Steam Deck.
common questions:
Q1. Can I install Kodi on my Steam Deck?
The answer: Yes, you can install Kodi on your Steam Deck. Kodi is a free and open-source media player that can be used to organize and play movies, TV shows, music, and other media. You can install Kodi on your Steam Deck from the Discover Store app.
Q2. What resolution does Netflix support on Steam Deck?
The answer: Netflix on Steam Deck is currently limited to 720p resolution. This is due to digital rights management (DRM) restrictions imposed by Netflix. However, given that the Steam Deck has an 800p display, this shouldn't make a significant difference in quality.
Q3. Can you use the Steam Deck as a PC?
The answer: Yes, you can use the Steam Deck as a computer. It runs a Linux-based operating system (Steam OS) and can install a variety of applications, including web browsers, office suites, and media players. However, it isn't as powerful as a traditional PC and may not be suitable for all tasks.
Q4. Can Steam Deck run Chrome?
The answer: While the Steam Deck comes with Firefox preinstalled, you can also install Google Chrome. Find it in the Discovery Store app and download it to your Steam Deck.
Use the Steam Deck for entertainment.
The Steam Deck isn't just a gaming device; it's a versatile entertainment companion for enjoying your favorite movies and videos wherever you are. Whether you're streaming movies online or watching videos offline, the Steam Deck has the features and flexibility to meet your entertainment needs. We hope this guide helps you use the Steam Deck to its full entertainment potential.