I Unlocked the Steam Machine's Full Potential

Summary

The video explores ways to customize a Steam Machine beyond its standard gaming-console experience. The presenter says it works as expected out of the box, but its SteamOS and PC capabilities allow for deeper customization. The modifications discussed generally avoid using the terminal or command line.

Customization and usability

• Decky: A launcher for SteamOS plugins, installed through a simple installer and managed from the quick-access menu.
• CSS Loader: A Decky plugin that changes the Game Mode interface. The presenter uses the Art Hero, Clean Game View, and Mini Carousel themes to make the library feel less cluttered and more visually focused.
• LED color plugin: Installed manually from a folder rather than through the Decky store. It enables custom LED colors, though the strip can behave erratically when downloads and the plugin run at the same time.
• Other Decky plugins: The presenter also mentions aesthetic options and utilities such as PowerTools and Storage Cleaner.
• KDE Connect: Built into SteamOS, it can connect the machine to a phone for file transfers, terminal commands, and remote mouse and keyboard input. The phone controls are useful for desktop tasks, though mouse gestures are awkward. KDE Connect must be running on the desktop to work.
• Nested Desktop App: Added to Steam, this provides desktop access from Game Mode without switching modes and closing a game. However, KDE Connect becomes less reliable in this setup, and Discord streaming from the nested desktop failed. Adding Discord directly to Steam worked better.
• Steam Grid plugin: Used to customize the appearance of added apps and games, replacing plain gray tiles with more polished artwork.
• 3D-printed controller holder: The presenter prints a Steam Controller holder found on MakerWorld. The roughly eight-hour print attaches to the machine with magnets but requires a washer to keep the controller in place.

Assessment

The presenter concludes that these tools make the Steam Machine more personal and practical, particularly for desktop use and managing apps, but doesn’t claim they settle whether its roughly $1,000 price is justified. The larger point is that SteamOS can be adapted substantially, even without command-line work.

Sponsored product segment

The video includes a review-style promotion for Anker Soundcore Space Two Pro headphones. The presenter highlights call connection quality and microphone clarity, active noise cancellation, transparency mode, comfort, up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC (60 hours without), five-minute charging for eight hours of use, and wired operation.

Main speaker and sources

• Main speaker: The Switch and Click presenter, discussing their own Steam Machine setup and tests.
• Referenced source: MakerWorld user What For, credited with the 3D-printed controller-holder design.
• Sponsor: Anker Soundcore, featured in the headphone segment.