PC gamers who have adopted Valve's Steam Deck or the older Steam Machine will likely want to continue using Discord for voice and text communication while gaming. Fortunately, these devices function much like standard PCs running Linux, allowing for the installation of various applications. The process for integrating Discord onto either platform is largely the same.
Installing Discord on Steam Hardware
To begin, users must first switch their Steam device from its default gaming mode into desktop mode. This can be initiated through the Steam menu, typically accessed by pressing the Steam button on a controller. Once in desktop mode, users can open the Discover application, identified by its blue icon. Within Discover, search for "Discord" and proceed with its installation.
After Discord is installed, users should return to the Steam application. In the bottom-left corner of the Steam window, select the "Add Game" option. From the subsequent menu, choose "Add Non-Steam Game." A list of installed applications will appear, from which users should select Discord. Finally, click "Add Selected Programs" to integrate Discord into the Steam library.
Configuring Discord Controller Settings
While the installation process enables Discord to run on Steam devices, users may encounter issues with the default controller layout. To rectify this, users can adjust the controller settings before launching Discord.
Navigate to the Steam Library and select Discord. Before opening the application, access its controller settings, typically indicated by a controller icon on the right side of the application's library page. Within these settings, users can select their preferred layout. For those using a Steam controller, the "Mouse Only" option is recommended. This setting configures the right trackpad to function as a mouse and the right trigger to perform a left-mouse click, mimicking the desktop Discord experience.
With these steps completed, Discord will be available on the Steam Machine or Steam Deck, allowing users to run it in the background while playing other games. Users can switch between Discord and their games as needed, whether to join voice chats or manage communication settings. Discord will remain active if the device is put into sleep mode but will close entirely if the "shutdown" option is selected.