Steam Deck
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Steam Deck.
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MercurySteam announces 'difficult and painful' job cuts as its God of War-inspired hack 'n' slash…
MercurySteam has announced a workforce adjustment process, described as difficult and painful, in the same week its latest game, Blades of Fire, launched on Steam. The God of War-inspired action-adventure game had previously underperformed commercially, leading to an anticipated write-off by publisher 505 Games. Blades of Fire has recently received a 2.0 update on Steam, introducing new features and Steam Deck support.
Nintendo Switch 2: Essential Accessories and Setup Guide (2026) | TAG
This guide provides essential accessories and setup steps for the Nintendo Switch 2, emphasizing the need for microSD Express cards due to a new storage standard. It recommends specific screen protectors, carrying cases, controllers, and charging solutions, while advising against certain third-party docks and unnecessary accessories. The article also details crucial initial setup steps, including system updates and data transfer from older Switch models.
What are we all playing this weekend?
Several members of the team share their weekend gaming plans, ranging from Forza Horizon 6 and American Truck Simulator to the unreleased game for guides, Directive 8020, and EVE Online. One writer is experiencing a retinal migraine and plans to rest, while another is trying out the puzzle game Drop Duchy on Steam Deck. The article also touches on personal anecdotes about pet care and healthcare.
What we've been playing - "Asking what the point of playing it is would be like asking why you should bother seasoning a meal"
Several writers share their recent gaming experiences. Victoria recounts her daughter's first Zelda dungeon completion in The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom on Nintendo Switch. Bertie discusses Heroes of Might & Magic: The Olden Era and Slay the Spire 2, while Chris offers further thoughts on Mixtape for PC and Steam Deck. Connor is enjoying Directive 8020 on PlayStation 5.
Framework says its Wireless Touchpad Keyboard 'is by far our most waitlisted product'
Framework's new wireless touchpad keyboard has become the company's most waitlisted product, surpassing their repairable laptops and PCs. The keyboard features an integrated touchpad, ZMK-based firmware, and is designed for moddability, making it suitable for living room or sim rig use. While not explicitly designed for gaming, its functionality allows for easy computer control from a distance.
"We are not trying to dismiss handmade work or disrespect creators" - studio behind popular party game Party Animals backtracks after AI video contest outcry
Recreate Games has apologized after its AI video contest for the game Party Animals faced significant backlash from the community. The studio clarified that AI is considered another tool and they do not intend to disrespect creators or handmade work. The community is now being asked to vote on whether to cancel the contest, change it to a non-AI competition, or add a separate handmade category.
Spelhelg med gammalt, nytt och nygammalt
Several individuals share their gaming plans for the weekend, highlighting a mix of retro titles like Phantasy Star and Final Fantasy VIII Remastered, new releases such as Forza Horizon 6 and Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, and ongoing games like Overwatch. The discussion touches on the appeal of both older and newer games.
The Steam Controller doesn't just scream for its life, it will also sing its little haptic heart out
A new application called SteamHapticsSinger allows users to make the Steam Controller produce MIDI music through its haptic feedback system. This builds upon the controller's existing haptic capabilities, which were previously known for an easter egg that made it 'scream'. The software is available on GitHub and is compatible with both the Steam Controller and the Steam Deck.
Not only will the new Steam Controller scream at you but it can play tunes as well
A new update for Steam Haptics Singer, a project that allows the Steam Controller to play music through its haptic feedback, has been released. Version 1.11 adds support for the original Steam Controller and allows MIDI files to control the gain directly. The tool, which also works with the Steam Deck, can be used on Linux by running an executable with a MIDI file.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni wireless gaming headset is the Nova Pro killer I've been dreaming of, and the best I've ever tested
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni is a premium wireless gaming headset that excels in audio quality, comfort, and multiplatform connectivity. It offers Hi-Res audio support, improved microphone performance, and the ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously, making it a significant upgrade over its predecessors.
Time to Forge Your Destiny: Blades of Fire – Version 2.0 Now Available on Steam
MercurySteam and 505 Games have released Version 2.0 of their action-adventure game Blades of Fire on Steam, featuring a 25% launch discount. This major free update introduces New Game Plus, a new Titanium Difficulty level, Anvil Trials, Arcana spells, Transmutation, and Photo Mode. Version 2.0 is also available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Epic Games Store, with Steam Deck support included.
We're inching closer to the Steam Frame release with a SteamOS Manager update
Valve is continuing development for the Steam Frame, with recent updates to SteamOS Manager indicating progress towards its release. Code commits suggest initial support for the device, including GPU clock management, and a recent Proton Beta update also appears to be for the Steam Frame.
Hear the Steam Controller sing whole songs with haptics, including the Wii Store soundtrack, Still Alive, and even…
A new software called SteamHapticsSinger allows the Steam Controller to play full songs using its haptic feedback, including the Wii Shop soundtrack and "Still Alive." This updated version, originally created 10 years ago, has been fixed and upgraded for newer Steam devices and may also work with the Steam Deck.
Solo Survival Guide: 8 Games No Discord Ping (2026) | TAG
This guide identifies eight games ideal for long-term solo play in 2026, focusing on replayability, offline functionality, and lack of notifications. The selected titles include Slay the Spire 2, Balatro, Hades II, Stardew Valley, Terraria, Elden Ring, Outer Wilds, and Final Fantasy XIV, with recommendations for hardware like the Steam Deck and PC.
Subnautica 2 is looking good on Desktop Linux, it's okay on Steam Deck with caveats
Subnautica 2 has entered Early Access and is running well on Desktop Linux with Proton, offering smooth gameplay at high settings. However, the Steam Deck version has launch issues and requires a workaround, with performance defaulting to low settings and a 30FPS target. The game has achieved over 2 million sales within 12 hours of launch, with a peak of 467,582 concurrent players on Steam.
Forza Horizon 6 makes a viable Steam Deck game, assuming you can find room to park it
Forza Horizon 6 is Steam Deck Verified, but achieving smooth performance requires significant graphical adjustments. The game's large installation size of over 155GB necessitates using a microSD card or larger internal storage. While it runs off default settings, lowering them to Very Low is needed to escape sluggishness, though this impacts visual fidelity.
Steam Beta fixes continuous rumble breaking the new Steam Controller Gyro
The latest Steam Beta client includes fixes for the Steam Controller, specifically addressing an issue where continuous rumble could break gyro input. A firmware update for the controller is available through the beta client, which also brings general improvements and fixes for Remote Play and the In-Game Overlay.
Forza Horizon 6 is lightweight enough to perform on just about any PC - though its new ray tracing modes slam on the brakes
Forza Horizon 6 offers robust PC performance across a wide range of hardware, running smoothly on budget builds and handheld PCs. However, the implementation of ray tracing significantly impacts framerates, and upscaling technologies like DLSS and FSR provide less benefit than expected, sometimes introducing visual artifacts. Despite these issues, the game is praised for its accessibility and visual quality even on lower settings.
The Red Cathedral: Digital Mobile Edition of Hit Board Game Is Coming to Android
Devir is bringing the popular board game The Red Cathedral: Digital Edition to Android, iOS, PC, and Steam Deck. This digital adaptation faithfully recreates the original's resource management and rondel mechanics, allowing for cross-play across all platforms. The game challenges players to construct a cathedral for Tsar Ivan the Terrible, competing for prestige and the Tsar's favor.
Blades of Fire Launches on Steam Alongside Massive Version 2.0 Update | Invision Game Community
MercurySteam and 505 Games have launched Blades of Fire on Steam, coinciding with the release of a major Version 2.0 update. This update, also available for free on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Epic Games Store, introduces New Game Plus, Titanium Difficulty, Anvil Trials, the Arcana System, and more. The game is currently available on Steam with a 25% launch discount.
