Steam Deck
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Steam Deck.
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I've been reviewing gaming controllers for years; these are my top-tested ones to look out for this Prime Day
This guide offers recommendations for gaming controllers to consider during Prime Day sales, based on years of testing across PC, Xbox, and PlayStation 5 platforms. The author highlights feature-rich options, value picks, and customizable controllers, while noting that the Steam Controller is excluded due to lack of discounts.
Phantom Blade Zero Director on Launching Close to GTA 6: “We Don’t Think About Any of This”
S-GAME director Qiwei Liang stated that the team is not concerned about Phantom Blade Zero launching close to Grand Theft Auto 6, focusing instead on product quality and bug fixes. The developer is prioritizing polishing the game and optimizing it to avoid a large day-one patch, with plans to release it on PC and PlayStation 5 in late October. The team is also aiming to bring the game to the Steam Deck.
Phantom Blade: Zero devs couldn't care less about releasing near GTA 6: 'We don't even think of the competition, what matters is how polished the game is'
Phantom Blade: Zero game director Qiwei Liang stated that the game's October 29 release date was not influenced by Grand Theft Auto 6's upcoming launch, emphasizing product quality over competition. The team is focused on optimizing the game for a wide range of hardware, including the Steam Deck, and ensuring it runs well without ray tracing.
25 years ago today, the GBA arrived in the US, but you don't need the real thing to play the handheld's hits
The Game Boy Advance celebrates its 25th anniversary in the US, and despite its age, there are numerous ways to play its classic games. Options range from budget emulation handhelds by Anbernic, Miyoo, and Powkiddy, to modernizing original hardware with screen and battery mods, and premium devices like the Analogue Pocket and Ayaneo Pocket Micro.
heaven will be mine returns to orbit with a major modernization update
Pillow Fight Games has released a major modernization update for their queer mecha visual novel, Heaven Will Be Mine, on Steam. The update enhances visual presentation to 4K, adds Steam Deck compatibility, and improves compatibility for modern operating systems. The game has also partnered with new publisher Exothermic.
From budget-friendly pairs to premium-sounding powerhouses: these are my top-rated gaming headset picks for 2026
This article provides a curated list of top-rated gaming headsets for 2026, ranging from budget-friendly options to premium models. The author, GamesRadar+'s gaming headset expert, highlights specific recommendations like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni and discusses potential Prime Day deals on various headsets for platforms including PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Steam Deck.
The Complete Inkle Library Humble Bundle has some lovely narrative puzzle adventures games
The Complete Inkle Library Humble Bundle is now available, featuring narrative puzzle adventure games such as Heaven's Vault and Expelled! The bundle includes multiple titles from the Sorcery! series, A Highland Song, 80 Days, Overboard!, Pendragon: Narrative Tactics, and TR-49, with most games rated as Verified for Steam Deck compatibility. A four-part novel based on Heaven's Vault is also included.
The Complete Inkle Library Humble Bundle has some lovely narrative puzzle adventure games
The Complete Inkle Library Humble Bundle is now available, featuring a collection of narrative puzzle adventure games from Inkle. The bundle includes titles such as Heaven's Vault, Expelled!, A Highland Song, and the Sorcery! series, with most games verified for Steam Deck compatibility. A four-part novel based on Heaven's Vault is also included.
Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition adds a Controller UI on PC
Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition has received a new controller UI on PC, making it more accessible for handheld devices like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally. This update, part of Patch 16.2.10604, allows players to switch between mouse and keyboard and controller interfaces, offering optimized features for gamepad use. The game is also currently on sale on Steam.
Proton Experimental gets fixes for Path of Exile 1 & 2, Guild Wars 2, Call of Duty (2003), Exanima and more
Valve has released an update for Proton Experimental, bringing numerous bug fixes for games like Path of Exile, Path of Exile 2, Guild Wars 2, Call of Duty (2003), and Exanima on Linux and SteamOS. The update addresses issues such as game crashes, graphical errors, and performance regressions, enhancing compatibility for Windows games on Valve's platforms.
SWAPMEAT launches into 1.0 on June 17th, 2026!!
Developer One More Game announced that SWAPMEAT will launch its 1.0 version on June 17th, 2026, for PC, Mac, and Steam Deck. This full release includes a massive update with new planets, mutations, a final boss, and quality-of-life enhancements for the third-person shooter roguelite.
Wield the Beat: Alpha Nomos Reveals New Gameplay Trailer Ahead of Steam Next Fest
A new gameplay trailer for Alpha Nomos has been released, showcasing its rhythm-driven combat where players use instruments as weapons and time attacks to the beat. The game features roguelite runs that compose themselves with audio-effect powerups and a handcrafted world. A demo is available on Steam during Steam Next Fest, with a planned Q3 2026 launch.
Video: Kingdom Hearts 3 Nintendo Switch 2 vs. PS5 vs. Steam Deck graphics comparison
A graphics comparison video showcases Kingdom Hearts 3 on the Nintendo Switch 2, pitting it against the PlayStation 5 and Steam Deck. While the Nintendo Switch 2 version offers an unlocked frame rate, it generally runs between 30-40 FPS, compared to the PlayStation 5's locked 60 FPS. The Nintendo Switch 2 version is comparable to the PS5 when docked, though handheld mode sees some sacrifices in resolution and reflections.
Flameseeker Chronicles: I’m hyped for Guild Wars 3 – but dreading it too
A Guild Wars 2 player expresses mixed feelings of hype and dread regarding the announcement of Guild Wars 3. While excited for a fresh start free of Guild Wars 2's accumulated 'cruft' and the potential for a console audience, concerns remain about the new game's action combat, the potential impact on Guild Wars 2's ongoing development, and whether Guild Wars 3 will cater to existing player preferences.
Morning Mobilization
A recent article from XDA suggests that Windows-based handheld gaming devices like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally may face an uncertain future. The author argues that their requirement for workstation-like maintenance could hinder their widespread adoption and long-term viability in the gaming market.
Steam Deck Battery: 5 Games Last a Flight (2026) | TAG
This guide details the real-world battery life of the Steam Deck, both OG and OLED models, highlighting five games that can last a 5-hour flight: Stardew Valley, Balatro, Slay the Spire 2, Vampire Survivors, and Hades II. It also lists games that drain the battery quickly, such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring, and provides tips on extending battery life through settings adjustments and the use of power banks.
Cave Story+ 2026 major update out now - Native Linux version dropped
The action-adventure platformer Cave Story+ has received a major update, "Cave Story+ Update 2026," which adds a 2-player mode, mod support, and enhanced visuals, bringing PC version in line with console ports. However, the native Linux version has been removed, requiring users to utilize Proton via Steam. Valve's Steam Deck compatibility rating will need re-evaluation for this updated version.
Moss: The Forgotten Relic gets Steam Deck Verified ahead of release
Moss: The Forgotten Relic, a new puzzle-platforming adventure combining the VR titles Moss and Moss: Book II, has achieved Steam Deck Verified status ahead of its July release. The game features a narrative-driven journey with environmental puzzles, combat against arcane creatures, and an optional 'skip combat' feature. It will be available on PC and consoles, with modernized visuals and new cinematic cutscenes.
SteamOS 3.8.8 Beta brings fixes for MSI Claw controls in Desktop Mode
Valve has released SteamOS 3.8.8 Beta, addressing issues with MSI Claw controls in Desktop Mode and other regressions. This update includes fixes for performance HUD crashes, slow charger detection, and improved compatibility for various handheld devices like the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go. The update also brings significant changes to KDE Plasma, graphics drivers, and system firmware.
The Elder Scrolls Online is now Steam Deck Verified after 2 years of tweaking
The Elder Scrolls Online has officially achieved Steam Deck Verified status, meaning it should now run optimally on Valve's handheld PC without requiring user tweaks. This verification comes after two years of development by Zenimax Online to address issues like the mandatory external launcher and default mouse and keyboard controls.
