A new plugin called Junk Store has recently made waves by allowing users to run third-party game stores like Epic Games and GOG directly from the Steam Deck’s Gaming Mode. This addition is a notable upgrade, much like Decky Loader, which is another popular open-source plugin for Steam Deck that lets developers expand the console’s capabilities. However, the team at SDK Innovation, behind Junk Store, aims for it to be officially recognized as a Steam Deck app, sparing users the hassle of diving into complex setups.
Per the Steam listing, Junk Store is now on Steam as a standalone version, completely reworked from the ground up to eliminate reliance on Decky Loader. This means you can now install your favorite games from the Epic Games and GOG stores directly within Steam’s gaming mode.
In a candid update on the subreddit r/JunkStore, the developers explained that they launched the Steam Store page to measure community interest through ‘Add to Wishlist’ clicks. Still, though promising, this doesn’t guarantee Junk Store’s availability in the Steam library, as Valve still needs to review the software before it can officially launch. Despite this, the developers feel optimistic, interpreting the page listing as Valve’s “quiet nod of approval.”
However, don’t expect Junk Store to hit Steam as a free or open-source option. Due to the extensive redevelopment from scratch designed to integrate smoothly with SteamOS and parting ways with functionalities dependent on Decky Loader, it will come with a price tag. Unfortunately, the pricing details remain under wraps, as the developers assess development costs and community interest. As a small team of just two, they also haven’t set a launch window yet.
Being the first-ever Steam Deck plugin on the app store puts Junk Store in a trailblazing position. The developers hope it can pave the way for future innovations, ensuring a positive experience for gamers, developers, and the broader Steam community.
Now, if you’re the kind of tech enthusiast who enjoys tweaking your Steam Deck, the necessity of Junk Store might seem less significant since it can still run via Decky Loader at no extra cost. However, for the everyday gamer who prefers hassle-free play, Junk Store represents a simple bridge to access titles across different platforms without delving into technical complexities.
