A new plugin called Junk Store has hit the Steam Store, making it easier than ever to access third-party game stores like Epic Games and GOG directly from your Steam Deck’s Gaming Mode. Thanks to GamingOnLinux for the heads-up on this exciting development. Junk Store shares some similarities with Decky Loader, which is an open-source plugin launcher for the Steam Deck. However, the folks at SDK Innovation, the developers behind Junk Store, are aiming for it to be recognized officially as an app for the Steam Deck, eliminating the need for users to tweak system settings themselves.
According to its Steam listing, “Junk Store is now on Steam. This is a standalone version rewritten from the ground up to remove the dependency on Decky loader. Now you can install your favorite games from the Epic Games Store and the GOG Store right within game mode.”
The developers revealed on their r/JunkStore subreddit page that they created the Steam Store listing to measure interest by tracking how many people add it to their wishlist. Of course, that’s no guarantee Junk Store will make an official appearance in the Steam library, since “Valve will still have to review the software before its final release.” However, the devs are taking the page approval as something like a quiet nod from Valve.
Now, one thing to note is that Junk Store won’t be a free or open-source release on Steam. The developers had to rewrite it from scratch to ensure compatibility with SteamOS, especially since it’s moving away from relying on Decky Loader functionalities. As of now, there’s no word on pricing because they’re still trying to determine development costs and gauge community interest. With just a two-person team, they haven’t nailed down a launch window yet either.
Despite these hurdles, the developers understand they’re breaking new ground as the first Steam Deck plugin slated for the app store. They hope Junk Store sets a positive precedent, benefiting gamers, developers, and the entire Steam community.
If you’re the type who enjoys tweaking your Steam Deck, you might not need the Steam version of Junk Store, since you can already use it through Decky Loader for free. But, for those who prefer simplicity and just want to dive into their games without fuss, Junk Store offers an easy way to access your Epic Games and GOG libraries directly.
