The Steam Deck has proven to be an incredibly versatile gaming device, capable of running a wide range of PC games — from modern AAA titles to retro emulators. But for fans of the cinematic fighting game Real Steel, initially launched on consoles and mobile devices, getting it running on the Steam Deck requires a bit of creativity. While it’s not officially available on Steam, with a few workarounds, you can still enjoy the game on Valve’s handheld PC.
TL;DR
Real Steel is not natively available on Steam or the Steam Deck, but it can still be installed using Android emulators or by sideloading the APK through third-party apps. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most reliable methods, including using emulation through apps like BlueStacks (in desktop mode) or AetherSX2 if you’re aiming for the PlayStation version. You’ll also need to make sure your Deck is in developer mode and has the appropriate software installed. While not an official solution, the results can be impressively playable with some fine-tuning.
What Is Real Steel?
Real Steel is a robot fighting game inspired by the 2011 film of the same name. Originally released on mobile platforms and console marketplaces, the game lets players control massive mechanical fighters in 1-on-1 battles. Despite its age and limited platform availability, it remains a favorite for fans of cinematic action and robot combat.
Unfortunately, the game has not officially made its way to PC or the Steam library, so installing it on the Steam Deck requires using alternative platforms such as Android emulation or console emulation.
Preparation: What You’ll Need
Before you begin the installation process, make sure you have the following:
- A functioning Steam Deck (any version is fine).
- An internet connection and a USB keyboard/mouse for easier setup in Desktop Mode.
- Access to or ownership of the Real Steel APK file (if using Android method) or a legitimate PlayStation version if using emulation.
- Sufficient storage space on your Steam Deck — at least 2GB free.
- Basic knowledge of using Linux and file management tools.
Option 1: Play Real Steel Using Android Emulation
This is the most straightforward approach to running the mobile version of Real Steel on the Steam Deck. Here’s how:
Step 1: Switch to Desktop Mode
Hold down the power button on the Steam Deck and choose “Switch to Desktop”. You’ll now be in KDE Plasma — the Deck’s Linux desktop environment.
Step 2: Install an Android Emulator
Unlike Windows, Linux doesn’t have native Android support for most apps, but you can use a project like Anbox or Waydroid. Here’s how to install Waydroid, a well-maintained choice:
- Open the Konsole terminal.
- Add Waydroid’s requirements and install it:
sudo pacman -S python-gbinder curl lxc aosp-devel git clone https://github.com/waydroid/waydroid cd waydroid sudo ./scripts/waydroid-init.sh
Once installation is complete, you’ll find Waydroid in your application menu.
Step 3: Install the Real Steel APK
If you already have the APK file for Real Steel (ensure it’s from a trusted source), open Waydroid, then drag and drop the APK into the window or use the terminal:
adb install path_to_real_steel.apk
The game should now appear in the Waydroid app drawer, ready to launch.
Important Tips:
- Performance may vary based on the emulator and APK version.
- Enable GPU acceleration in Waydroid settings for better frame rates.
- Use the Steam Deck’s controller mapping tools to emulate touch inputs, or use a touchscreen.
Option 2: Emulate Console Version of Real Steel
If you’re seeking a more “console-like” version of the game, especially the Xbox 360 or PS3 digital editions of Real Steel, you can turn to console emulation through RPCS3 (PS3) or Xemu (Xbox).
Step 1: Install Emulators
While in Desktop Mode, download and install one of the following from the Discover store:
- RPCS3: PlayStation 3 emulator
- Xemu: Original Xbox emulator (Xbox 360 support limited)
Ensure the emulator and BIOS files are set up correctly. You can use a tools like ProtonUp-QT to manage compatibility layers.
Step 2: Acquire the Real Steel Game File
This method requires a legally obtained copy from a PSN dump or disc rip. Do not download pirated ISO images. Ensure the file is in a supported format (.pkg for PS3 or .iso for Xbox).
Step 3: Configure Controls and Launch
From within the emulator interface, add the game file to your game list. Configure the Steam Deck controller using the emulator’s settings or Steam Input for thumbstick compatibility.
Adding the Game to Steam Library
To make launching Real Steel seamless, especially from Game Mode, you can add the emulator or game shortcut to Steam:
- In Desktop Mode, open Steam and go to Games > Add a Non-Steam Game.
- Select your emulator (Waydroid or RPCS3/Xemu).
- Once added, you can go back to Game Mode and find it under your Library.
Customize the artwork by downloading cover images from SteamGridDB for a more polished library.
Performance and Gameplay Expectations
While the PC hardware in the Steam Deck is surprisingly capable, remember that you’re emulating another platform. Performance will depend on these factors:
- Emulator Optimization: Some emulators like RPCS3 are more stable than others.
- Thermal Throttling: Long sessions might generate heat, affecting frame rates.
- Game Resolution: Lowering graphics settings or resolution will improve performance.
In our tests using the Android method (Waydroid), Real Steel ran smoothly at an average of 40-50 FPS with controller mapping. The PS3 emulated version performed slightly better in terms of input responsiveness but required more configuration.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Effort?
Installing and playing Real Steel on the Steam Deck is not as straightforward as clicking “Install” in your Steam Library. However, with a bit of persistence and the right tools, it’s entirely doable — and quite satisfying once you pull it off.
The trade-off is time and customization versus ease-of-access. If Real Steel is a nostalgic favorite or a title you’ve always wanted to try portably, the experience is worth the setup. Best of all, you get to flex the full potential of what the Steam Deck offers beyond traditional PC gaming.
Resources
Whether you prefer sleek touchscreen-oriented gameplay or a more detailed console experience, installing Real Steel on the Steam Deck grants new ways to enjoy an old classic. With emulation and a custom setup, the battle between robots rages on — this time, in the palm of your hand.