Junk Store, an intriguing new plugin that’s geared towards letting users run third-party game stores such as Epic Games and GOG right from the Gaming Mode on the Steam Deck, has now made an appearance on the Steam Store (thanks to GamingOnLinux for the tip-off). In the way it operates, it shares similarities with Decky Loader, which is an open-source launcher that allows developers to integrate various software features into the Steam Deck. Yet, the developers behind Junk Store, known as SDK Innovation, seem to be aiming for official recognition as a Steam Deck app, minimizing the need for users to fiddle with settings.
A glance at the Steam listing reveals that “Junk Store is now on Steam. This standalone version has been completely rewritten to eliminate reliance on Decky Loader, so you can easily install games from the Epic Games Store and the GOG Store directly within game mode.”
An official announcement on r/JunkStore explains that the Steam Store page is a strategic move to assess public interest through ‘Add to Wishlist’ clicks. Despite this effort, the availability of Junk Store in the Steam library isn’t set in stone yet, as Valve still needs to give the final nod. The developers, however, interpreted the approval of their page as a “quiet nod of approval” from Valve.
It’s worth noting that the Junk Store won’t be a free and open-source addition to the Steam marketplace. This decision comes after the app required a complete overhaul to ensure perfect compatibility with SteamOS, eschewing some functionalities typical of Decky Loader. Details on pricing remain elusive as the team, a duo, is evaluating both development costs and community response to determine the price and timing of the app’s launch.
The team acknowledges that their work is groundbreaking, being the first plugin to reach the Steam Deck’s app store. The potential impact on the gaming community, developers, and Steam as a whole is significant, they say, hoping to set a positive precedent.
For those who love tweaking their Steam Deck, you might not find the Steam version of Junk Store necessary, since the Decky Loader allows you to access it for free. However, for gamers who prefer a straightforward way to access their favorite titles from other platforms without the technical fuss, Junk Store could be a great addition.
