The Xodus Nexus launcher, offers a practical solution for playing Xbox PC games on Linux-based systems, including the Steam Deck. Built on the Xodus project, this launcher replicates much of the Xbox PC app’s functionality, supporting Game Pass titles, Play Anywhere games, and Xbox Store purchases. For example, users can sync saves between Xbox consoles and the Steam Deck for first-party titles like Forza Horizon 5 and Starfield, provided the Xbox PC version is used. While the setup process involves manual steps like downloading dependencies and handling two-factor authentication workarounds, the launcher delivers a functional way to access Xbox games without relying on Windows.
Discover how the launcher integrates features like Steam’s frame rate limiting and per-game performance profiles, enhancing usability on devices like the Steam Deck, as explored by Deck Ready below. You’ll also gain insight into its limitations, such as the lack of anti-cheat support for multiplayer games, and how it compares to alternatives like the Steam Machine for graphically demanding titles. Whether you’re a Game Pass subscriber or a Play Anywhere user, this breakdown highlights the cost-saving potential and compatibility considerations that make the Xodus Nexus launcher a compelling option for Linux gamers.
Installation Process
TL;DR Key Takeaways :
- The Xodus Nexus launcher, enables Linux-based devices like the Steam Deck to play Xbox PC games, including Game Pass titles, Play Anywhere games, and Xbox Store purchases, though it has some limitations.
- Save syncing between Xbox Series consoles and PC has reportedly improved for first-party games, but it only works with the Xbox PC version, not the Steam version. Titles like Forza Horizon 6 have resolved earlier save transfer issues seen in Forza Horizon 5.
- Multiplayer games with anti-cheat unsupported on Linux, such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, are incompatible with the launcher, though Modern Warfare 4 reportedly runs well on the Nintendo Switch, suggesting potential performance on the Steam Deck if anti-cheat restrictions were resolved.
- The launcher offers cost-saving benefits for Game Pass subscribers and Xbox Series owners by allowing access to PC versions of Xbox games without rebuying them on Steam, reportedly simplifying the process and retaining full revenue for Xbox on direct purchases.
- There is speculation that Xbox might allow the Xodus Nexus launcher to continue functioning or even port the official Xbox PC app to Linux, potentially addressing long-standing demand from Linux users and expanding Xbox’s reach.
The launcher allows Linux users to download and play Xbox PC games they own. Supported titles include Game Pass games, Play Anywhere games, and Xbox Store purchases. It is free and works on the Steam Deck, Steam Machine, Steam OS PCs, and other Linux distributions.
To install, users download the latest release from GitHub, place it on the desktop, make it executable via properties, and download dependencies and runtime through the app’s settings. Xbox sign-in may encounter issues with two-factor authentication, but this can be bypassed by signing in through a browser and entering a code sent via email. A recent update has resolved earlier sign-in problems.
Updating the launcher on the Steam Deck requires manually redownloading, reinstalling, and re-adding it to Steam. While this process is somewhat inconvenient, it does not affect the app’s functionality.
Performance and Compatibility
Tests with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4 (Game Pass) and Ninja Gaiden 4 (Play Anywhere) showed that both games ran and looked similar to their Steam versions on the Steam Deck. The launcher supports Steam features like frame rate limiting and per-game performance profiles, adding to its usability.
A recent update allows individual games to be added to Steam as non-Steam games, though these lack default artwork. Custom art can be added via steamgrid.db. Save syncing between Xbox and Steam Deck works if the Xbox PC version of the game is used, and Xbox achievements are earned when playing through the launcher.
Save syncing between Xbox Series consoles and PC has improved for first-party games, but it only works with the Xbox PC version, not the Steam version. Titles like Forza Horizon 4, Forza Horizon 5, Doom: The Dark Ages, Ninja Gaiden 4, and Starfield sync saves with the Xbox PC version but not with Steam. Notably, Forza Horizon 6 has resolved the save transfer issues seen in its predecessor.
Multiplayer games with anti-cheat unsupported on Linux, such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, are incompatible with the launcher. However, Modern Warfare 4 reportedly runs well on the Nintendo Switch, suggesting it could perform similarly on the Steam Deck if not for anti-cheat restrictions.
Learn more about Steam Deck with other articles and guides we have written below.
- Valve Confirms Steam Deck 2 with Unreal Engine 5 Support
- Steam Deck 2 Could Feature AMD Gainsboro Chip with Zen 6 and RDNA 5
- FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 Debuts on Steam Deck Soon
- Android Handhelds Become Viable Budget Steam Deck Alternatives
- Leaked Steam Deck 2 Focuses on Massive Performance Upgrades: AMD Zen 6 CPU
- Heroic Game Launcher Enables Xbox Game Pass Titles on SteamOS
- New Steam Deck 2 Chip Could Outperform the AMD Z3 Extreme
- Leaked AMD Gainsborough Chip Could Power Steam Deck 2
- Install Lossless Scaling 2.0 on Steam Deck via Decky Loader
- Play Native Xbox Game Pass Titles on Steam Deck via Xodus Nexus
Cost-Saving Benefits for Game Pass and Play Anywhere Users
The launcher offers significant cost-saving benefits for Game Pass subscribers and Xbox Series owners. Game Pass users can play included PC titles on the Steam Deck without buying them on Steam. For Xbox Series owners, the Play Anywhere feature provides free PC versions of digital Xbox purchases, including third-party games like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3. This eliminates the need to rebuy games on Steam or rely on Xbox’s cloud streaming.
Previously, users often had to rebuy games on Steam or stream them from the cloud to play on the Steam Deck. The launcher simplifies this process, allowing users to log in once and access their Xbox games. This also benefits Xbox, as the company retains 100% of the revenue when games are purchased directly through Xbox, compared to 70% through Steam.
Performance on Steam Deck vs Steam Machine
The launcher performs well on the Steam Deck, but demanding Xbox games like Indiana Jones, Doom: The Dark Ages, Gears E-Day, and Forza Horizon 6 reportedly run better on the Steam Machine. With hardware comparable to the Xbox Series X, the Steam Machine can match Series X settings by referencing Digital Foundry PC reviews, making it more suitable for graphically intensive titles.
Faster download speeds were observed for Ninja Gaiden 4 on the Steam Deck via the Nexus launcher compared to the Xbox Series X, even when both devices used the same Wi-Fi. Historically, the Xbox PC app has been criticized for slow download speeds, though updates have aimed to address this. The launcher may offer faster downloads than the Xbox PC app, as suggested by these findings.
Future Prospects and Speculation
The Xodus Nexus launcher represents a step toward integrating Xbox PC games with Linux platforms. There is speculation that Xbox might allow the launcher to continue functioning or even port the official Xbox PC app to Linux, addressing a long-standing demand from Linux users and potentially expanding Xbox’s reach.
The Xodus Nexus launcher is a functional and promising tool for playing Xbox PC games on Linux devices. While the update process is inconvenient, the app delivers on its core promise of running Xbox games on the Steam Deck and other Linux platforms. For Game Pass subscribers and Play Anywhere users, the launcher offers substantial cost-saving benefits and improved accessibility.
Media Credit: Deck Ready
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