Alert: Installing Steam on Android with ROCKNIX could change everything for handhelds

Straight-to-the-point guide to get Steam on Android using ROCKNIX, with steps, settings, and tips to avoid headaches.

Introduction

It is an exciting time for powerful Android handhelds. Devices like the AYN Thor, Retroid Pocket 6, and KONKR Pocket Fit are in the spotlight, as it is now possible to run Steam on Android with ROCKNIX. While it was already possible to test PC games via emulators, this is the evolution that could turn your device into a portable PC gaming shelf.

Devices compatible with Steam

• AYN
  • Odin 2 (SM8550)
  • Odin 2 Mini (SM8550)
  • Odin 2 Portal (SM8550)
  • Thor (SM8550)
• AYANEO
  • Pocket ACE (SM8550)
  • Pocket DMG (SM8550)
  • Pocket DS (SM8550)
  • Pocket EVO (SM8550)
  • Pocket S 2K (SM8550)
  • Pocket S2 (SM8650)
• Retroid
  • Pocket 5 (SM8250)
  • Pocket 6 (SM8550)
  • Pocket Flip 2 (SM8250)
• KONKR
  • KONKR Pocket Fit (SM8650 | G3 Gen 3)

How to install

1. Access the ROCKNIX Nightly page and locate the version corresponding to your device's chipset.
2. Download the .img.gz file corresponding to your hardware.
3. While the download is happening, connect the microSD to your PC. If it has been used before, format it before proceeding.
4. Open the image writing application of your choice and flash the ROCKNIX image onto the microSD.
5. Eject the card from the PC and insert it into the handheld.
6. Follow the steps below to back up the existing ABL and flash the ROCKNIX ABL.
7. Once the step is complete, you will be able to boot ROCKNIX directly from the microSD.

ROCKNIX ABL

This step is necessary for most devices, as you need to tell the handheld to boot from the microSD instead of the internal memory. The process requires access to the fastboot menu to change the boot mode.

Back Up Existing ABL

1. Open the file manager and navigate to the microSD.
2. Locate the rocknix_abl folder.
3. Copy this folder and paste it into the root of the device's internal storage.
4. Close the file manager.
5. If using AYN/Retroid handhelds:
   • Open Settings
   • Tap Handheld Settings
   • Tap Run Script as Root
   • Navigate to the rocknix_abl folder
   • Select backup_abl.sh
6. If using AYANEO/KONKR:
   • Press the AYA button to access AYANEO settings
   • Navigate to Device
   • Tap Run Script as Root
   • Navigate to rocknix_abl
   • Select backup_abl.sh
7. Once completed, connect the handheld to the PC and transfer the backup files to a safe folder on your computer.

Flash ROCKNIX ABL

1. Open the file manager and navigate to the microSD.
2. Locate the rocknix_abl folder.
3. Copy and paste this folder into the root of the internal storage.
4. Close the file manager.
5. If using AYN/Retroid:
   • Open Settings, Handheld Settings, Run Script as Root
   • Navigate to rocknix_abl
   • Select flash_abl.sh

Change Boot Mode

With the ROCKNIX ABL installed, you can proceed with the ROCKNIX installation.

1. Restart the handheld.
2. Upon restarting, hold the Volume Down button until the ROCKNIX ABL screen appears.
3. Use the volume keys to navigate to Set the Device and confirm with the Power button.
4. Use the arrows to highlight your device and confirm with Power.
5. Upon confirming, you will return to the main ABL screen.
6. In the main menu, verify if Boot Mode - Linux appears in the Fastboot Mode section.
7. If it does not appear, navigate to Switch boot mode and confirm.
8. When Linux is selected, observe Start at the top of the screen and confirm to launch ROCKNIX.

Installing Steam

1. After the device finishes installing and booting into ROCKNIX, press the Start button.
2. Open Network Settings and connect to Wi-Fi, if necessary.
3. Return to the main screen and access Tools.
4. In the Tools menu, select Start Steam.
5. Note: in some cases, the download screen may appear and close quickly. Check the connection and try again.
6. Wait until the Steam installation is complete.

Enable Steam Input

1. Open Steam and go to the Library; select the game without launching it.
2. Tap the Controller icon on the right side of the list.
3. Select Enable Steam Input.
4. Adjust the layout settings as needed.
5. Return to the game list and test the functionality.

Game Settings

Certain games may require specific adjustments. Use ProtonDB as a reference and make the appropriate changes within the Steam app for each title.

Steam Settings in ROCKNIX

1. Close Steam via the side menu: Power > Exit Steam.
2. Access the Steam section within ES-DE.
3. Select the Select button.
4. Highlight and open Advanced System Options.
5. Make necessary changes for: Colors, CPU/GPU Governors, MangoHUD, Display Mode, and audio/video library options.
6. Additional settings: ASound Host Library, DRM Host Library, Vulkan Host Library, Wayland Client Host Library, and GL Host Library.

Known Issues

• Some games open in windowed mode by default, and there may be simultaneous control of the game and Steam.
• There is no simple exit to return to Steam during gameplay.
• Wi-Fi issues: if there are failures, open File Manager, go to the System Folder within Config, edit system.cfg, remove SSID and Key, save, and try to add the network again.

Pros and Cons: ROCKNIX vs Android

ROCKNIX

• Pros: Games appear within ES-DE like any other system after installing Steam; integration with Proton ARM is anticipated; native Steam client makes game tweaks easier; specific adjustments are simpler than in emulators.
• Cons: Compatibility limited to supported devices; game installation can be slow; moving games from PC to handheld isn't always smooth; still has bugs due to its early stage.

Android

• Pros: Diverse experimentation options (GameNative, GameHub, Winlator, etc.); greater device compatibility (Qualcomm, MediaTek); no need to flash anything; installation speeds generally faster; it's easy to transfer games between PC/microSD without relying on Steam.
• Cons: Translation layers can add overhead; some games don't run or perform poorly in some cases.

Pros and Cons: microSD vs Internal

• Internal: technically possible to install ROCKNIX on internal memory, with higher read/write speeds; however, the experience involves careful partitioning between ROCKNIX and Android, with risks of serious failure if something goes wrong.
• microSD: keeping Android intact is safer; however, speeds are limited by the microSD module and may not reach internal memory peaks; it is the recommended option to avoid compromising Android.

RECOMMENDATION: install ROCKNIX on a microSD card, as Steam is available mainly via Nightly and there are still many bugs that make risking Android less attractive.

This guide was prepared to help you explore a new way to play Steam Deck style with ROCKNIX. Have you already tested ROCKNIX on your handheld? What was the first game you tried to run? Share your experience, questions, or challenges encountered in the comments so we can help the community.

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