What you need to know
- The Steam Deck is a handheld gaming PC that aims to play the majority of modern PC titles.
- Ahead of its launch, Valve has detailed how games can be verified for the Steam Deck, and how players can quickly check different games.
- Valve's compatibility program will review games against various metrics to gauge how well the game is suited for play on Steam Deck.
- Players will be able to quickly check how supported a game is on Steam Deck, and learn the reasons behind its score.
The Steam Deck is a fascinating handheld gaming device that promises to let players take their Steam library (full of PC games) on the go. Not every game will run seamlessly on Valve's ambitious handheld, however, so the company is taking measures to ensure players can quickly see what games they can play on Steam Deck. Today, Valve has detailed how games can become verified for Steam Deck.
The program is pretty straightforward. Valve will test games to ensure they support the Steam Deck's input, provide seamless gameplay, support the Steam Deck's display and resolution, and support the Steam Deck's software and Proton. Afterward, games will have one of four tags that will be prominently displayed in the Steam Deck's software, including the Store and player libraries: verified (fully supported), playable (works with caveats), unsupported (will not work), and unknown (has not been tested yet).
Valve wants to ensure that players know exactly what will work on their Steam Deck, and why a game does or does not work as expected (for example, VR-only games will be unsupported) with a helpful details screen. Valve has already begun testing games, and will continue to test more and more titles even after launch. The company is also working on a way to let players see how much of their library is verified for Steam Deck before purchasing.
The Steam Deck is intriguing, but many players were concerned how fully-fledged PC games would translate to the handheld screen and unique control scheme. With this new program, Valve will (hopefully) be able to alleviate some of those concerns. The Steam Deck begins shipping in Dec. 2021, and is now available to preorder. If you're preparing for your very own Steam Deck, personalize your experience with some of the best Steam Deck accessories.
Play your Steam library anywhere
Wanted more places to play your Steam library? Now you'll be able to with the Steam Deck. This machine comes in three configurations, each allowing you to play your games locally and portably.
