https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Ad-hoc_networking

Seems like you should be able to do it. All the software they mention in that article is preinstalled.

That would be a good idea, but it probably wouldn't be easy to implement something that works as easy as the Nintendo Switch because that uses custom hardware and also custom protocols. I feel like there could be a way to do it in software by adding a custom Ad-hoc connection that Steam would use automatically but this may not work as well and efficient as the Switch's Local Wireless system. Remember it has to work with existing games and their LAN functionality, so unless Valve somehow also released it for other PCs a dedicated Switch-like Local wireless solution wouldn't be well accepted by developers.

引用自 Ben Lubar：

It's a computer. If you don't want to use a router or switch, you can use what is called a "crossover" ethernet cable.

That's basically just a worse version of the Gameboy Link cables though, It requires you both to carry adapters and a cable, or one of you carry two adapters and a cable. It also doesn't work with more than two systems, which an Ad-Hoc solution in software likely would.

It's better than nothing but it's no replacement for True ad-hoc wireless.

Also OP, there is already a thread for this on the SteamDeck forum. It's better to request SteamDeck features in the Steam Deck section of the forum, though I do guess they could integrate the feature into the Steam client itself, then anyone could use it on any device that has the ad-hoc option configured.

引用自 Vask：

As the title says, it would be nice to have a simpler way to connect two devices together without the complicated setup or the need of a Router to enjoy whatever avaialble offline LAN games with other Deck/Handheld device users. Similarly to how the Nintendo Switch does it.

Probably a tough ask I understand but would be cool if made at all possible.

Why would some place not have wifi or some connectivity. Ad-hoc connectivity is generally reserved for

Also if you have an 'offline' LAN system then by definition you have a local network. I mean this isnt like before where I had to lug a token ring hub home to do LAN games over token ring back in the day. Not to mention pocket routers are now so cheap if you need an ad-hoc network, just connect to a pocket router. Also there's also the thing where if you have no network you can't communicate with steam servers , meaning that most things like remote play or MP matchmaking aren't possible either?

Note the switch has games designed for this localized network type of thing. Most PC games are designed around generally centralized servers or at least P2P servers with centralized management.

Note what 'problem' is this trying to solve. Because even if you made this 'ad hoc' network it would pretty much not be used for anything because nothing useful would be able to use it. Unless you're playing a Larian game with local IP based MP which is extremely rare these days, this seems like a solution looking for a problem

引用自 Satoru：

引用自 Vask：

As the title says, it would be nice to have a simpler way to connect two devices together without the complicated setup or the need of a Router to enjoy whatever avaialble offline LAN games with other Deck/Handheld device users. Similarly to how the Nintendo Switch does it.

Probably a tough ask I understand but would be cool if made at all possible.

Why would some place not have wifi or some connectivity. Ad-hoc connectivity is generally reserved for

A lot of places these days don't have wifi or public Wifi. Many businesses still don't offer public wifi. Obvious places like Parks and Bus stations don't offer public Wifi. These and locations like them would be the prime locations where ad-hoc solutions are used.

引用自 Satoru：

Also if you have an 'offline' LAN system then by definition you have a local network. I mean this isnt like before where I had to lug a token ring hub home to do LAN games over token ring back in the day. Not to mention pocket routers are now so cheap if you need an ad-hoc network, just connect to a pocket router. Also there's also the thing where if you have no network you can't communicate with steam servers , meaning that most things like remote play or MP matchmaking aren't possible either?

You are confusing Ad-hoc and LAN, the benefit of Ad-hoc is that you don't need to carry anything at all. When people say Offline LAN despite how stupid it sounds they are doing so because some people get confused and think it has something to do with Online play since routers used for LAN are typically also connected to the internet. Games with LAN capability can indeed still play with each other when Steam is running in offline mode, which is the point of an Ad-hoc solution. [/quote]

引用自 Satoru：

Note the switch has games designed for this localized network type of thing. Most PC games are designed around generally centralized servers or at least P2P servers with centralized management.

There are indeed PC games supporting LAN play I don't think OP was expecting it to work with something like an MMO or live service game. Should also be noted that the Switch does use it's own protocol for local multiplayer, as did the majority of Nintendo handhelds (and consoles) all the way back to the Nintendo DS when they first started using Wifi.

引用自 Satoru：

Note what 'problem' is this trying to solve. Because even if you made this 'ad hoc' network it would pretty much not be used for anything because nothing useful would be able to use it. Unless you're playing a Larian game with local IP based MP which is extremely rare these days, this seems like a solution looking for a problem

It's trying to solve the problem of games that ALREADY have LAN support in offline environments and playing them with others. This can already be done by adding an ad-hoc network in desktop. They are asking to add it to the official Wifi setup page so it is easily accessible and usable in game mode and without a great deal of tinkering. Allowing support for local play in games that already support it.

Once something like this is added I'll likely get a steam deck. If it's also implemented on steam on the PC I'll be able to use my laptop and my steam deck to play with friends

This thread was quite old before the recent post, so we're locking it to prevent confusion.