The Steam Deck and the Meta Quest devices are among the most innovative and versatile sets of gaming hardware that players can enjoy. Whether on the go with the vast library of demanding games available on the Steam Deck or if players want a premium virtual reality system that doesn’t require a PC or a PlayStation console to connect it, the Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest 3 can also be taken anywhere.
Both machines have portability in common, but users of both devices can link them in synchronicity for less demanding VR games and use the Meta Quest’s built-in large screen for non-VR games from the Steam Deck. Use the following steps to run Steam Deck through the Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest 3.
Updated September 24, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: The streaming connection between the Steam Deck and the Meta Quest can be intermittent when using 2.4GHz connections. This guide is updated to include the steps to enable 5GHz on the Steam Deck to allow more reliable connections when it comes to streaming and remote play.
Disable Wifi Power Management
To enable an improved wifi connection between the Steam Deck and the Meta Quest, it’s a good idea to ensure the Steam Deck is functioning on a 5GHz network for better streaming capabilities. Use the following steps to make sure the Steam Deck is set up for 5GHz.
- Press the Steam button to open the Steam menu.
- Select System.
- Then under System Settings select Enable Developer Mode and switch it on.
- Now open the Developer menu after pressing the Steam button.
- Under WIFI make sure Enable Wifi Power Management is switched off.
It should be noted that utilizing a 5GHz connection on the Steam Deck will result in higher battery consumption. Therefore, it is advisable to connect the Steam Deck to a power source when streaming games to the Meta Quest to ensure optimal performance.
Download Immersed For The Steam Deck
Before getting started, Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3, and Steam Deck owners who expect to use them together will need a third-party app called Immersed. To install it on the Steam Deck, use the following steps:
- Ensure the Steam Deck has enough battery life. Alternatively, ensure the device is plugged into the mains.
- A keyboard and mouse are recommended to operate the device like a PC.
- Press the Steam button underneath the left trackpad.
- Highlight Power and Switch to Desktop Mode.
- In Desktop Mode, use a browser to download Immersed from this link.
- Sign up for an Immersed account. As the intention is to use it with a Meta Quest device, it’s quicker to sign in with a Facebook account.
- Access the Downloads folder, double-click on the Immersed file, and select Execute and Continue.
- The app requests the user to sign in to their Immersed account.
- With everything ready on the Steam Deck, it is time to grab the Meta Quest 2 or Meta Quest 3.
With Immersed installed on the Steam Deck, it’s time to install and pair it with the Meta Quest 2 or Meta Quest 3 to play Steam games by using the following steps:
- Place the Meta Quest 2 or Meta Quest 3 headset on.
- Navigate to the Meta Quest store and type in Immersed.
- Select Install. The app is around 275 MB, so ensure the Meta Quest device has enough space to download it.
- Install and then launch the Immersed app.
- Follow the tutorial to understand the app’s capabilities and how to connect.
- Ensure the Steam Deck is logged into Immersed and nearby.
- Click Add Computer on the Meta Quest.
- Enter the Username and pairing code to mirror the Steam Deck’s screen on the Meta Quest.
- To run games from the Steam Deck, remain in Desktop Mode and launch the Steam app to access and play Steam games.
That’s everything needed to play Steam Deck games wirelessly on Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest 3. A stable internet connection and decent speeds are required for this method to run smoothly.