Ubisoft Connect Steam Deck SD Card Setup Guide: Easy Steps

Getting Started: Preparing Your Steam Deck and SD Card

Before installing Ubisoft Connect, ensure your Steam Deck is updated. This improves compatibility and stability. You'll also need a microSD card for optimal game storage; installing games directly to the internal SSD can lead to performance issues. First, identify your SD card's mount point. This is its address on your Steam Deck’s file system. Use Dolphin, the built-in file manager, to find it (it will look something like /run/media/mmcblk0p1/, but this may vary). Write this down—you’ll need it later.

Installing Ubisoft Connect: A Simple Process

Installing Ubisoft Connect is straightforward:

1. Open Steam on your Steam Deck.
2. Navigate to your Non-Steam games library.
3. Click "Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library."
4. Locate the Ubisoft Connect installer (usually a .exe file).
5. Run the installer.

Directing Ubisoft Connect to Your SD Card

This crucial step ensures Ubisoft Connect installs games to your SD card:

1. Right-click the Ubisoft Connect icon in your Steam library.
2. Select "Properties."
3. Go to the "Launch Options" section.
4. Add this command, replacing /run/media/mmcblk0p1/ with your SD card's mount point: STEAM_COMPAT_MOUNTS=/run/media/mmcblk0p1/ %command%
5. Click "Save."

Launching Games and Addressing UI Issues

Launch Ubisoft Connect. Your games should install to your SD card. However, you might encounter UI (user interface) problems like flickering or graphical glitches. If this occurs, try this when launching individual games within Ubisoft Connect: Add uplay://launch/*gameID*/0 to that game's Steam launch options, replacing *gameID* with the game's ID (found on Ubisoft's website or in the game's files).

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Encountering difficulties? Here are solutions to common issues:

• Sluggish Performance: Experiment with different Proton versions (Proton 7, Proton Experimental, etc.) to find optimal performance for your games. Proton is the compatibility layer allowing Windows games to run on the Steam Deck’s Linux system.
• Missing Games: Verify your SD card is properly mounted and check the file paths in Ubisoft Connect's settings for any discrepancies.
• UI Glitches: The uplay://launch/*gameID*/0 launch option fix often resolves UI problems.

Alternative Methods (But Stick With the Simple Solution First!)

While other methods exist, such as using Bottles (a more complex application compatibility tool), the Proton method described above is generally the easiest and most reliable for most users.

Fixing Ubisoft Connect GameScope UI Flickering

Experience annoying flickering in the Ubisoft Connect UI? Here's how to fix it:

1. Restart Your Steam Deck: A simple restart often resolves temporary glitches.
2. Adjust Network MTU: Incorrect network settings can cause flickering. Adjust your Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) to a value between 1400 and 1500 in your Steam Deck's network settings.
3. Disable GameScope Overlay: The GameScope performance overlay might conflict; disable it in your Steam Deck's settings.
4. Developer Mode (Advanced): For advanced users, using command-line tools in developer mode might offer further solutions (proceed with caution and consult Valve's documentation). If you're not comfortable with this, skip this step.

Important Note: If the above steps don't work, ensure Ubisoft Connect and your games are updated, and your SteamOS is up-to-date. Check online Steam Deck communities for additional solutions.

Conclusion: You're Ready to Play!

Congratulations! You've successfully set up Ubisoft Connect on your Steam Deck and optimized your game storage. Enjoy your Ubisoft games!