How Many Games Run on Steam Deck? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of how many games run on the **Steam Deck** is a crucial one for potential buyers and current owners alike. The short answer is: a vast and ever-growing number. While the Steam Deck technically *can* run almost any game in your Steam library, the real question is how *well* they run. Currently, **over 10,000 titles** are rated as either **Verified** or **Playable** by Valve. This means that a significant portion of the Steam library is readily accessible and enjoyable on this powerful handheld console. It's important to distinguish between "playable" and "verified," as these terms describe the quality of the gaming experience. **Verified** titles are those that Valve has thoroughly tested and confirmed will provide a smooth, plug-and-play experience on the Steam Deck. **Playable** games, on the other hand, may require some minor tweaking of settings for optimal performance but are still considered viable for playing on the device. Let's delve deeper into the specifics.
## Steam Deck Compatibility: Verified vs. Playable
### What Does "Verified" Mean?
A game marked as **Verified** on the Steam Deck has undergone rigorous testing by Valve. This label indicates that the game:
* Runs flawlessly without any compatibility issues.
* Has optimized controls for the Steam Deck's controller layout.
* Displays text and UI elements clearly on the Deck's screen.
* Offers a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience out of the box.
These games are designed to provide a seamless experience akin to playing on a dedicated gaming console.
### What Does "Playable" Mean?
Games that are categorized as **Playable** on the Steam Deck will run, but might not offer the same perfect experience as Verified titles. These games:
* May require some manual configuration of graphics settings.
* Might not fully support the Steam Deck's controller.
* Could have minor performance hiccups or less optimized UI elements.
However, "Playable" titles are generally considered enjoyable to play, albeit with potentially some minor adjustments. It doesn't mean the game is broken or unplayable. It just means that the game does not provide a perfectly smooth, out-of-the-box experience, which is the requirement for Verified status.
## Beyond Verified and Playable: The Rest of Your Library
Technically speaking, the Steam Deck has the potential to run *any* game in your Steam library. However, those that aren't explicitly labeled as "Verified" or "Playable" could fall into a third, unofficial category: **Unsupported or Unknown**. Games in this category:
* May not run at all.
* May have severe performance issues.
* Might require significant technical adjustments to even launch.
* May not have controller support and may require a keyboard and mouse to play.
Valve continues to test and categorize games, meaning titles that are currently in the "Unknown" category may eventually be moved to "Playable" or even "Verified." This ongoing effort by Valve is continuously expanding the catalog of supported games on the Steam Deck. The fact that **over 75% of tested games** are already rated as playable or verified is a testament to the device's overall compatibility.
## Ongoing Improvement
Valve continues to optimize the Steam Deck and its compatibility with various games. New software updates and advancements in the **Proton compatibility layer** (a compatibility layer that allows Windows games to run on Linux) frequently lead to more games becoming playable on the Steam Deck. This evolution ensures the user experience only improves with time, making the Steam Deck a long-term investment for gamers.
## FAQs: Steam Deck Game Compatibility
### 1. How many games are *actually* tested for Steam Deck compatibility?
According to recent figures, Valve has tested over **13,000 games** for compatibility with the Steam Deck. This figure demonstrates Valve's commitment to thoroughly assessing titles and providing accurate compatibility ratings to users.
### 2. Can I play *every* game in my Steam library on the Steam Deck?
Technically, the Steam Deck can attempt to run any game you own on Steam. However, whether they will run well, without glitches, controller problems or need for heavy configuration, is not guaranteed. A game running poorly can be considered unplayable even if it launches.
### 3. Is there a way to see which games are verified for the Steam Deck?
Yes. In your Steam Library, you can filter or use the search function to look for games specifically labeled as either **"Verified"** or **"Playable"**. The Steam Store also clearly indicates each game's compatibility rating on the game's page.
### 4. What happens if a game isn’t listed as "Verified" or "Playable?"
If a game is not listed, it could mean it might not work, have significant bugs, or have an unoptimized user experience. However, it does not mean you can’t try it. The game *may* still run, but you should be prepared to potentially need some troubleshooting.
### 5. Can I play AAA games on the Steam Deck?
Yes, many AAA games are **Verified** or **Playable** on the Steam Deck. Although you may have to lower graphical settings for higher performance, many demanding titles can still provide a solid experience. The Steam Deck is capable of delivering **PS4-class visuals** within its compact form factor.
### 6. How does the Steam Deck run emulated games?
The Steam Deck is excellent at running emulated games, especially for consoles from the 8-bit to the 16-bit era. Most 32-bit and 64-bit emulated consoles and handhelds will also perform reasonably well. However, demanding emulated consoles such as PS3 and some PC emulator applications may have performance limitations.
### 7. What games are known *not* to work well on the Steam Deck?
Valve has noted that certain games such as *Dragon Age Inquisition*, *Marvel’s Avengers*, *Crysis*, and *Terminator: Resistance* have known compatibility issues, just to name a few. However, the list may fluctuate due to continuous optimization and updates to the operating system.
### 8. Will my purchased Steam games be free to play on the Steam Deck?
Yes, any games you've purchased on Steam are available on the Steam Deck. The beauty of the Steam Deck is the ability to bring your entire Steam library on the go. You only need to own the game and ensure that the game has an acceptable level of compatibility to be enjoyed.
### 9. How does the Steam Deck perform with online multiplayer games?
The Steam Deck can play online multiplayer games, just like a PC. You will need an internet connection to download games or participate in online multiplayer. Most online games that are considered Playable or Verified will function correctly.
### 10. Can I connect my Steam Deck to a TV for a bigger gaming experience?
Yes, you can connect your Steam Deck to a TV using a USB-C to HDMI adapter. This provides an easy way to enjoy games on a larger screen, allowing you to have a dual experience of handheld and home console.
### 11. How long does the Steam Deck battery last when playing games?
The Steam Deck's battery life varies from **2 to 8 hours** depending on the game and your settings. Adjusting graphical settings can help extend the battery life for longer sessions.
### 12. Is the 512 GB Steam Deck enough storage for games?
The 512GB version will provide plenty of storage for most users. If you play a wide variety of titles or many high-demand games, an additional **microSD card** (potentially of 1TB or more) may be necessary.
### 13. Can I use a large Micro SD card to expand storage on the Steam Deck?
Yes, the Steam Deck supports Micro SD cards. It's not unusual for users to use a 1TB microSD card to store a large collection of games. The game load times on microSD are very similar to those on the Deck's internal drive, and the **SanDisk Extreme 1TB microSDXC UHS-I card** is highly recommended.
### 14. How is the Steam Deck legal if it can run emulators?
The Steam Deck running emulators is entirely legal in most countries like the US. Emulators themselves, and even ROMs, are not explicitly illegal. You should, however, be careful about where you source your ROMs as illegal game downloads are still an infringement of copyright.
### 15. When will there be a Steam Deck 2?
Valve has suggested that a **Steam Deck 2 is not expected until at least 2025**. This timeframe will allow Valve to develop a more refined successor, taking into account feedback from the current generation.
The Steam Deck offers access to a vast and growing library of games, making it a compelling option for gamers on the go. With its continuous improvements and vast library, it is a strong contender in the handheld gaming market.
