/Jovian-NixOS

Primary LanguageNixMIT LicenseMIT

Jovian NixOS

NixOS on the Steam Deck

A set of packages and configurations for running NixOS on the Steam Deck. This repo is also useful for obtaining a Deck-like experience on other x86_64 devices.

Installation

Steam Deck

You can build an installation ISO for the Steam Deck with nix-build -A <flavor>, where <flavor> is one of the following:

  • isoMinimal: Minimal non-graphical installation environment
  • isoGnome: Graphical installation ISO with GNOME
  • isoPlasma: Graphical installation ISO with KDE

To enter the boot menu, power off the Steam Deck then hold down Volume- and tap the Power button.

Follow the Installing NixOS section of the NixOS Manual. When configuring the system, import ./modules from this repo in your configuration and enable the Steam Deck-specific hardware configurations with jovian.devices.steamdeck.enable = true;.

Other Devices

For all other devices, use the normal installation images available on NixOS.org.

Follow the Installing NixOS section of the NixOS Manual. When configuring the system, import ./modules from this repo in your configuration.

Configuration

All available module options along with their descriptions can be found under modules.

To use the Steam Deck UI, set jovian.steam.enable = true; in your configuration. Then you can start the UI using one of the following methods:

  • Select "Gaming Mode" in the Display Manager or run steam-session in a VT.
  • Launch steam-session within an existing desktop session. This will run gamescope in nested mode which results in higher latency.

Firmware Updates

steamdeck-firmware

Updates to the BIOS and the controller are available in the steamdeck-firmware package:

  • BIOS: Run sudo jupiter-biosupdate
  • Controller: Run sudo jupiter-controller-update

jupiter-dock-updater-bin

Updates to the Docking Station firmware are available in the jupiter-dock-updater-bin package. Connect to the dock via USB-C and run jupiter-dock-updater to update.

FAQs

Jovian “Relating to [...] Jupiter or the class of [...] which Jupiter belongs.”

What's Jupiter?

There's a disambiguation page that won't help you. I don't know exactly what it's the codename for. It is either the codename for the Steam Deck, or the codename for the new Steam OS for the Steam Deck. Things get awfully murky when you realize that Neptune's also a thing, and it's unclear really from the outside, and quick searches don't provide conclusive evidence. But to the best of my knowledge, Jupiter is the OS for us.