What changed in NonSteamLaunchers v4.2.93
NonSteamLaunchers is a script that installs and automatically configures third-party launchers on the Steam Deck and Steam Machine. Version 4.2.93 appeared on the project's GitHub page on 20 October. Its release notes list two headline items:
- Xodus Nexus support: The notes describe full support for the new launcher inside NonSteamLaunchers.
- A Windows game scanner: A dedicated scanner inside NSLGameScanner covers Microsoft Windows games installed through Xodus. Steam Deck HQ says the updated scanner can find games downloaded through Xodus Nexus and give them extra metadata in Steam.
The release notes don't say which folders the scanner reads. They also don't promise that every installed title will be detected or turned into a working Steam shortcut.
The smaller changes
The update also bundles several fixes and features that have nothing to do with Xbox:
- The official download URL for the Purple Launcher was updated.
- itch.io now uses a per-game launcher configuration.
- Bugs in game theme music and metadata loading were fixed.
- HowLongToBeat completion times now appear in the metadata card.
- New theme-music controls let you pick songs. Per the notes, you hold the music button to paste or save while using the navigation arrows, including in Game Mode.
The release is split into Desktop and Decky Plugin builds. The notes list NonSteamLaunchers.desktop for the desktop version and NSLPlugin.desktop for people who already run Decky Loader. Plugin users can use the red Update button, or NSLPlugin.desktop, to install or update. Steam Deck HQ adds that an existing NonSteamLaunchers install should update to the latest version when you run it.
The notes also include a Windows caveat. Only game scanning, playtime, metadata and theme music work on Windows, and other features aren't functional yet.
What Xodus Nexus is, and isn't
Xodus Nexus is an open-source, Xbox-inspired Linux launcher built on the upstream Xodus project. Its own README describes it as independent and unofficial. It says it is not an official release from the upstream Xodus developers. It isn't a Microsoft or Xbox product either.
It has three parts:
- The launcher: store browsing, library, install queue and launch controls.
- The backend: a patched Xodus build that handles sign-in, license checks, package downloads and launch preparation.
- The runtime: built on Xodus Proton and Xodus XGameRuntime, with extra compatibility patches.
You sign in with a Microsoft account, and the README says a valid purchase or subscription is required. VideoCardz notes that, unlike Xbox Cloud Gaming, it downloads and runs games locally through a modified Wine/Proton runtime.
Compatibility is game by game
The Nexus README says its compatibility list comes from manual testing and user reports. It adds that other games may work but are unverified. The results vary:
- Playable: Gears of War: E-Day, Deep Rock Galactic, No Man's Sky, Palworld and Hollow Knight: Silksong, among others.
- Partial: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 and Human: Fall Flat.
- Not working: ARC Raiders, which launches but can't connect to online services. Others include The Witcher 3, Hell Let Loose and Dragon Quest XI S.
Notebookcheck points out that this list applies to Linux in general, not specifically the Steam Deck. The upstream Xodus README adds its own warning. Many single-player games can be downloaded and played, but online multiplayer and features that need Microsoft's servers may fail to connect or authenticate.
Installing Nexus through NonSteamLaunchers doesn't change any of that. A game that doesn't run in Nexus won't run any better because the launcher was installed with a script.
Practical notes for Steam Deck users
- Native Steam only. Nexus's "Add to Steam" feature creates a Non-Steam shortcut with artwork where available. It requires native Linux Steam, and Flatpak Steam isn't supported yet.
- Game Mode quirks. Nexus warns that some file pickers and sign-in windows may still need mouse or touch input. It suggests Steam + X for the on-screen keyboard. If passkey sign-in gets stuck, it says to choose "Continue in browser", which needs Google Chrome.
- Troubleshooting. For account, library or install errors, the README points to the backend diagnostic log in Settings. It says the log holds safe error codes rather than credentials, and you should review it before sharing.
- Report bugs in the right place. Nexus problems belong in the Nexus repository, not the upstream Xodus tracker.
Risks to weigh
Both projects are unofficial and unaffiliated with Microsoft. The upstream Xodus README says it has no DRM bypasses and relies on Microsoft's license servers to issue decryption keys only to accounts with a valid purchase or active Game Pass subscription. That is the project's own claim. I haven't seen an independent audit of it.
Nerdzap reports that Windows Central found no statement from Microsoft, and that Club386 warned Microsoft could ban Game Pass users if it judged the project against its terms. That is a warning, not a documented enforcement action. Still, anyone tying a Microsoft account with a paid subscription to an experimental tool should know about it.
Bottom line
For Steam Deck owners who already use NonSteamLaunchers, v4.2.93 makes trying Xodus Nexus easier. It also adds scanner support to pull those games into Steam with metadata. The bigger picture is still early-stage and community-driven. Check the compatibility list for the games you care about before you spend an evening on setup.