With the remaster coming out I started looking into the original game since I had never played it. I found that a mod, NorthernUI, exists that adds controller support to the game. So I decided to install a GOG copy of the game on the Steam Deck.
I tried to get Mod Organizer to work but failed. But it turns out there is a native Linux mod manager called Limo Mod Manager that can work with Skyrim. The whole process of getting it work kept me up til 2AM.
So I have the original game installed now with NorthernUI and Unofficial X Patches for bugfixes.
Anyone has suggestions for more QoL mods that can smooth out the jankiness? Thanks.
I saw a sprinting mod whose documentation said that the author recorded their own voice for sprinting but seems like they removed it in the last update according to the changelog.