Imagine being able to control your favorite games with nothing but the power of your pedaling. Sounds like science fiction? Think again, thanks to Deck de France, a free software that can turn your bike trainer into a controller for your Steam Deck.
Source: cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net
Developed by Sukolupo and shared on GitHub, Deck de France is a game-changer for cyclists and gamers alike. The software is technically compatible with any smart trainer that broadcasts Cycling Power Service over Bluetooth Low Energy, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of devices.
Source: cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net
Supported Devices
The following devices are compatible with Deck de France:
Source: cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net
- Tacx – NEO, NEO 2T, Flux, Bushido, Vortex, Satori, Booster
- Elite – Suito-T, Justo, Direto, Drivo, Rampa, Sterzo Smart (steering plate)
- Wahoo – KICKR, KICKR Core (broadcasts CPS — untested but should work)
- Zwift Hub / Zwift Hub One (broadcasts CPS — untested but should work)
- CycleOps – Magnus, H3 (broadcasts CPS — untested but should work)
- Garmin – Vector 3 power meter pedals
- Magene – S3+ Speed/Cadence sensor
- Power meters – Any BLE power meter pedals or crank-based meters (4iiii, Stages, Favero, etc.)
With Deck de France, you can translate your pedaling power into actions, making it an ideal solution for games that require intense physical activity, such as the Tour de France games. The harder you pedal, the faster you go, making it a unique and immersive gaming experience.
Game Support
Deck de France has some rudimentary functionality in other games, including:
- Rocket League – pedaling activates boost
- Forza games – pedal power is equivalent to acceleration
- Grand Theft Auto – pedaling controls the throttle of cars
However, it’s worth noting that you’ll need a Bluetooth controller to do everything else. This means that in games like Rocket League, you’ll play as normal on a controller and pedal when you want to boost.
Setup and Compatibility
Setting up Deck de France is surprisingly simple, with Sukolupo claiming that you can get it working in just five minutes. The instructions are all available on the Deck de France GitHub repository, making it easy to follow along.
As of now, Deck de France has been shown to work with the Steam Deck, but it’s technically compatible with any Linux PC. This means that cyclists and gamers can enjoy this unique gaming experience on a variety of devices.
Whether you’re an avid cyclist or just looking for a fun way to add some exercise to your gaming sessions, Deck de France is definitely worth checking out.
