A Reddit user has demonstrated a method to launch games on the Steam Deck using physical floppy disks. The project, shared by user BlackIceLA, utilizes a custom plugin called Decky Links to bridge the gap between legacy hardware and the handheld PC.
How the Floppy Disk Setup Works
The system requires an external floppy disk reader connected to the Steam Deck. Once the hardware is linked, the Decky Links plugin identifies the disk and pairs it with a specific title in the Steam library. When the user inserts the disk, the plugin triggers the game to launch.
It is important to note that the game data itself is not stored on the floppy disk. The disk serves strictly as a physical key or shortcut to initiate the software already installed on the console. In demonstrations, the user successfully launched titles including Half-Life 2, Stardew Valley, and Balatro.
Availability and Performance
As of late August 2026, the Decky Links plugin has not been released to the public. The developer indicated that the software currently requires additional refinement. While the setup offers a retro aesthetic and the tactile sound of legacy hardware, the developer noted that floppy disks do not load as quickly as NFC tags.
Quick Facts
- Developer: Reddit user BlackIceLA
- Plugin Name: Decky Links
- Hardware Requirement: External floppy disk reader
- Function: Acts as a launch trigger; does not store game files
- Status: Currently unreleased; under software refinement