A new development in the Steam Deck world has emerged with the arrival of Junk Store, a plugin designed to let users tap into third-party stores such as Epic Games and GOG directly from the Steam Deck’s Gaming Mode. Spotted on the Steam Store by GamingOnLinux, this plugin shares similarities with Decky Loader—an open-source plugin launcher for the Steam Deck that allows developers to add additional software features to the device. However, SDK Innovation, the team behind Junk Store, aims to have it recognized as an official Steam Deck app, ensuring users don’t need to delve into technical adjustments.
On the Steam listing, it’s noted, “Junk Store is now on Steam. This is a standalone version rebuilt from the ground up, eliminating the need for Decky Loader. Now, you can effortlessly install your favorite games from Epic Games Store and GOG Store right in game mode.”
According to a post on r/JunkStore, the developers have set up the Steam Store page to gauge community interest by tracking the number of ‘Add to Wishlist’ interactions. Still, it’s unclear if Junk Store will become an official part of the Steam library since “Valve must review the software before any final release.” Despite this, the developers view the page’s approval as a quiet nod of approval from Valve.
The Junk Store won’t be a free or open-source offering on Steam, mainly due to the complete overhaul required to ensure its seamless integration with SteamOS, given its independence from Decky Loader’s functionalities. Pricing is also up in the air, as the developers are evaluating both production costs and community interest. Additionally, there’s no launch timeline set, as the development team is only two people strong.
Despite these uncertainties, they acknowledge their pioneering role, being the first Steam Deck plugin to feature on the app store. They hope Junk Store will pave the way for positive experiences among gamers, developers, and the broader Steam community.
For those who enjoy tweaking their Steam Deck’s settings, the need for a Steam version of Junk Store might not be pressing, given that Decky Loader offers a free alternative. However, for users who prefer ease of access to their games purchased on other platforms without additional hassle, Junk Store could provide a hassle-free solution.
