Steam Deck: How To Change The Boot Intro Videos

The Steam Deck has a small selection of intro/boot videos built into the system. Unfortunately, the range of choices is vast or extensive for users who want something personal or unique.

Thanks to the scope of customization plugins available to users via custom programs, it is possible to change the opening boot-up video and the suspending video. If Steam Deck users want to boot up their machines with a nostalgic intro that plays like the Nintendo GameCube, the PS1, or the Sega Dreamcast, they can by following the instructions in this guide.

Updated September 17, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: To use custom introduction themes on the Steam Deck, you must install the Deck Loader program and use the CSS plugin. However, these custom themes can be deactivated via the Steam Deck’s updates. This guide has been updated to include the steps for switching Developer Mode on to avoid potential incompatibility issues with third-party programs caused by patches.

Enable Developer Mode

Before installing Decky Loader and the CSS Loader plugin for custom themes, you should activate Developer Mode and enable CEF Remote Debugging. Use the following steps to enable them.

• To access the Steam menu, press the Steam button.
• In the Steam menu, choose the System option.
• Change the System Update Channel to Stable.

Beta and Beta Candidate modes often receive more frequent major updates that may conflict with Decky Loader and its plugins. It’s better to keep the Steam Deck in Stable mode.

• Enable Developer Mode in the System menu.
• Reopen the Steam menu and select the new Developer settings.
• Enable CEF Remote Debugging by navigating to the Miscellaneous section.

If you find that the Decky Loader menu and your installed plugins have vanished from the Quick Access menu (after pressing the button with the three dots), a Steam Deck update may have caused a conflict with the program. Follow the above steps again to enable Developer Mode and CEF Debugging, and your Decky apps should return as they were.

Install Decky Loader

Before getting a more extensive choice of booting and suspending videos on the Steam Deck, users must first install Decky Loader. Decky Loader is a plugin that allows users to tinker with their power settings, change their themes on Steam Deck, and more. The plugin opens the handheld to better customization options, like their boot videos. To install Decky Loader, use the following steps:

• Power on the Steam Deck and ensure it has a full battery bar.
• Connect a keyboard and mouse to operate the Steam Deck like a PC.
• Press the Steam button on the left side of the handheld.
• Move the highlighter down and select Power.
• Switch to Desktop Mode.
• Open a browser using Steam Deck’s OS.
• Download and install Decky Loader from this link.
• Check the recommended settings and continue the installation.
• Once installed, switch the Steam Deck back into Gaming Mode.

Install Animation Changer

With Decky Loader installed, it is time to download the Animation Changer plugin. This app gives Steam Deck users the largest selection of intro videos and suspending animations. To install the Animation Changer, use the following steps:

• In Gaming Mode, press the button with three dots on the right side of the handheld.
• Move the highlighter down and select the plug icon.
• In the Decky Loader menu, select the settings cog.
• Select Check for Updates.
• With Decky Loader updated, select the store icon next to the settings cog.
• Look for the Animation Changer plugin and install it.

Change The Boot Video

• Press the button with the three dots on the Steam Deck and select the plug icon.
• Select the Animation Changer plugin.
• Select Manage Animations to access the new menu.
• In the Animation Changer menu, select the Newest dropdown menu and change it to most popular or most liked.
• Highlight the new opening video and select Download Animation.
• With the new Animation downloaded, open Animation Changer.
• Under the Animations menu, select Boot.
• Select the new opening video.

Change The Suspend Video

• Open the Animation Changer Menu again.
• Select the All dropdown menu.
• Now select Suspend to open the list of Suspend animations.
• Select the desired outro video and select Download Animation.
• Open Animation Changer.
• Under the Animations menu, select Suspend and click on the new Suspend video.

The Official Steam Videos

Players can change their Steam Deck’s startup videos via official means. However, the official video cost Steam points earned from purchasing games, etc. To use this method, take the following steps:

• Press the Steam button.
• Select Settings.
• Highlight the Customization tab.
• Scroll to the bottom of the menu and select Visit the Points Shop.
• Highlight the Startup Movies tab.
• There are themed videos like Personal 5 Royal, Hades, Elden, Ring, and Starfield.

Steam Deck users can put their games into standby mode with a closing animation from Mario saying bye-bye or the code from The Matrix. There is a good range of videos to choose from using official and unofficial methods.

The Steam Deck is available now from the official Steam store.