How to Manage Steam Deck Storage with Non-Steam Games: Tips and Tricks

Managing storage on your Steam Deck, particularly when it comes to non-Steam games, can be a challenging task, especially with the dynamic nature of library updates and personal game installations. However, with a little bit of knowledge and the right tools, you can effectively keep your device’s storage under control. This guide will walk you through some valuable tips and tricks to manage your Steam Deck’s storage and make the most out of your gaming experience.

Understanding Your Storage

Before diving into management tactics, it’s essential to understand how your Steam Deck allocates storage. Your device uses a combination of different categories to count space, including the operating system, installed games, and ‘Other’ data. This ‘Other’ category can be quite large and often includes files related to non-Steam games, desktop folders, and any additional content you’ve accumulated over time.

When you install non-Steam games, they may not be tracked in the same way as Steam games, leading to potential confusion about how much storage they occupy. To understand where your storage is going, it’s recommended to use a disk usage analyzer app. Such tools provide a visual representation of storage consumption, helping you identify which folders consume the most space.

Installing a Disk Usage Analyzer

1. Access Desktop Mode: To get started, switch your Steam Deck to desktop mode. This can be done by holding the power button and selecting the ‘Switch to Desktop’ option.

2. Open the Discovery Store: Once in desktop mode, open the Discovery Store (similar to an app store) available on your Steam Deck.

3. Search for Disk Analyzer: Use the search function to find and install a disk usage analyzer tool, such as the popular “Disk Usage Analyzer” (also known as Baobab). This tool will help you monitor where your storage is used up.

4. Run the Analyzer: After installation, run the application. It will scan your directories and provide a graphical breakdown of your storage. This visualization can be incredibly helpful in identifying large files or folders.

Managing Non-Steam Games

With a clearer picture of your file usage, you can now focus on managing your non-Steam games effectively:

Uninstall Unused Games

Regularly review your installed non-Steam games. If there are titles you haven’t played in a while or don’t plan to engage with again, consider uninstalling them. To do this:

• Open the file manager in desktop mode.
• Navigate to the folder where your games are stored.
• Delete the game files and remember to empty your Trash to regain storage space.

Centralized Storage Techniques

To help you keep track of all your installations, especially if you use multiple platforms (like game launchers that aren’t native Steam), consider using centralized storage. This involves organizing all your gaming files in specific folders; for example, creating one main folder for all your downloaded games outside of Steam. This way, you can easily locate and manage them without cluttering your primary game library.

Regular Maintenance

Just like your physical space, virtual space needs maintaining:

• Scan for Duplicate Files: Sometimes, duplicate installations occur. Regularly scan for and remove these duplicates to free up space.
• Check Compatibility Caches: Older, incompatible files from games can accumulate. Occasionally delete compatibility caches for games you no longer play, as these can take up significant storage.

Use External Storage

If you find that you’re often running low on storage even after careful management, consider investing in external storage solutions. Steam Deck supports external SSDs and other storage devices via USB-C. By using additional storage, you can offload non-Steam games and easily access them when required without cluttering your internal storage.

Performance Considerations

After managing your storage, consider your games’ performance. Some users have reported that larger collections of non-Steam games can impact overall performance unless managed well. Consistently cleaning out unused games and files can lead to a smoother gaming experience.

Conclusion

Managing your Steam Deck’s storage, particularly with non-Steam games, may seem daunting, but it’s entirely manageable with the right approach. By understanding your storage allocation, utilizing tools such as disk usage analyzers, and applying regular maintenance practices, you can keep your device streamlined and ready for your next gaming session. Whether you’re an avid gamer or a casual player, these tips should help you ensure that your Steam Deck remains a top-notch gaming device. Happy gaming!