How to Install Custom Boot Animation on Steam Deck

In the world of gaming, personalization has become a cornerstone of the user experience. As technology advances, devices like the Steam Deck have captured the hearts of gamers worldwide. Boasting impressive capabilities and a vast library of games, the Steam Deck has quickly become a coveted item among gaming enthusiasts. But what if there was a way to take this device’s unique charm a step further? Enter the world of custom boot animations – a way to make your Steam Deck truly your own from the moment it powers on.

Steam Deck isn’t your typical portable gaming console. It is powered by Steam OS, which is based on Linux. You may customize Steam Deck in a variety of ways without having to deal with the settings too much.

Valve has made it much easier to apply custom boot animations on Steam Deck with the latest release of Steam OS. If you want to customize Steam Deck on a deeper level, you must first grasp the device. We’ve shown you two simple ways to alter the boot animation of your Steam Deck.

Why Customize Your Steam Deck Boot Animation?

Gaming has always been about individuality. From the characters we choose to the strategies we employ, gaming allows us to express ourselves. The customization of gaming setups has extended beyond just in-game choices; now, it encompasses the devices themselves. Your Steam Deck is more than just a gaming console – it’s a canvas waiting for your personal touch. By customizing your boot animation, you’re not just starting up a device; you’re initiating an experience that resonates with your personality and gaming preferences.

There’s a psychological impact to consider as well. Think about it: every time you power on your Steam Deck, you’re greeted by a visual representation of your creativity. The satisfaction of seeing something you’ve designed or chosen to represent you has a positive effect on your overall gaming experience. It creates a connection between you and the device, enhancing the bond you share with your gaming rig.

Understanding Boot Animations

A boot animation is a short video or animation that plays when a device is turned on. It’s the eye-catching sequence that unfolds between pressing the power button and your device fully coming to life. This animation isn’t just a pleasing visual; it’s also an opportunity to showcase your personality. It’s like having a unique welcome mat for your digital world.

To understand how to install a custom boot animation, it’s essential to know where these animations are stored. Boot animations are typically stored in the system files of the device. They are activated during the startup process and can be located deep within the device’s storage. However, with a little guidance and a bit of technical know-how, you can replace the default animation with a custom one that reflects your individuality.

Preparing Your Custom Boot Animation

Before you embark on the journey of installing a custom boot animation, it’s time to get creative. The first step involves creating or selecting an animation that resonates with you. This could be a short video clip, a GIF, or even a series of images that come together seamlessly. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

For those with animation design skills, software like Adobe After Effects or Blender can help you create a boot animation from scratch. However, if animation design isn’t your forte, don’t worry – there are numerous online repositories where you can find pre-made boot animations tailored for devices like the Steam Deck. These repositories offer a variety of animations, ranging from sleek and minimalistic to extravagant and vibrant. Remember, the goal is to choose an animation that represents you and adds a touch of flair to your Steam Deck’s startup.

When creating or selecting your animation, keep in mind the screen dimensions and resolution of the Steam Deck. You want the animation to fit perfectly and appear sharp when it plays. Once you have your animation ready, it’s time to transfer it to your Steam Deck.

Step-by-Step Guide: Installing Custom Boot Animation

1. Creating or Choosing Your Boot AnimationIf you’re designing your animation, use software that allows you to work with the Steam Deck’s resolution. Create a captivating animation that reflects your gaming style or favorite games. Alternatively, if you’re opting for a pre-made animation, ensure it resonates with your personality and preferences.
2. Transferring the Animation to Your Steam DeckConnect your Steam Deck to your computer using a USB cable or other file transfer methods. Once connected, access the storage of your Steam Deck as you would with any external device. Create a dedicated folder for your custom boot animation to keep things organized.
3. Accessing System FilesBefore you replace the default boot animation, it’s crucial to access your Steam Deck’s system files. This involves navigating to the right directory, where the current boot animation file is stored. Make sure to research and follow the exact pathway to avoid any accidental changes to critical system files.
4. Replacing the Default Boot AnimationWithin the system files, you’ll locate the default boot animation file. This file needs to be replaced with your custom animation. Copy and paste your custom animation file into the designated folder, ensuring that the file name matches the original boot animation file. It’s wise to keep a backup of the original file, just in case.
5. Testing Your Custom Boot AnimationWith the replacement complete, it’s time to see your creation in action. Restart your Steam Deck and observe as your custom boot animation takes center stage during startup. If all goes well, you’ll be greeted by your uniquely designed or chosen animation every time you power on your device.

How to Install Custom Boot Animation on Steam Deck by Using the Desktop Mode

Before we begin, please ensure that you have a good internet connection and a keyboard nearby. To download the boot animation files, you’ll need an Internet connection and a keyboard to type some commands.

1. Switch to the Desktop Mode on your Steam Deck. We have a complete guide on this for you to follow.
2. Find a boot animation you like. There are lots of boot animations you can find online for Steam Deck, both on Reddit and on the Steam Deck repo website.
3. Either type in steamdeckrepo.com into your browser or search for Steam Deck Repo on Google.
4. Scroll through and find a boot animation you like and click download to save it. You should now have downloaded a .webm file.
5. Create your folders and copy your boot animation. Follow the steps below.
6. Open the file explorer app (called Dolphin).
7. Check the Show hidden files option.
8. Navigate to your home directory (/home/deck).
9. Navigate to .steam/root/config.
10. Create a uioverrides folder and enter it.
11. Create a movies folder and enter it
12. Copy the .webm file you downloaded earlier and put in this folder.
13. Make sure it’s called deck_startup.webm.
14. Restart your Steam Deck.

The boot animation should now be applied when you resume your Steam Deck!

Conclusion

The Steam Deck isn’t just a gaming console; it’s a platform for self-expression and personalization. Customizing your boot animation allows you to imprint your unique style onto the device’s startup experience. It’s a small but impactful way to make a statement about who you are as a gamer.

As you dive into the world of custom boot animations, remember that tinkering with system files carries some risk. While the process is relatively straightforward, it’s crucial to proceed with caution and only make changes if you’re comfortable doing so. The rewards, however, are well worth it – a device that not only delivers top-notch gaming experiences but also resonates with your identity.

So, why settle for the default when you can have a startup experience that’s distinctly yours? Embrace the world of custom boot animations and transform your Steam Deck into a reflection of your gaming passion. From the first power-on to the epic gaming adventures that follow, your custom boot animation will serve as a reminder that this device is truly yours in every sense.