How to Check if Games Are Steam Deck Compatible

Last Updated: Feb 10, 2024 by

The highly anticipated Steam Deck is set to release later this year, and gamers are eager to get their hands on this handheld gaming device. However, with its unique hardware and operating system, there may be some concerns about game compatibility. In this article, we will discuss how to check if games are Steam Deck compatible and what to do if the compatibility tool fails.

What is the Steam Deck?

Before we dive into compatibility, let’s first understand what the Steam Deck is. The Steam Deck is a handheld gaming device created by Valve Corporation, the same company behind the popular gaming platform Steam. It features a 7-inch touchscreen, a custom AMD APU, and a Linux-based operating system called SteamOS. This device allows users to play their favorite PC games on the go.

Steam Deck Compatibility Tool

To ensure a smooth gaming experience, Valve has created a compatibility tool that allows users to check if their games are compatible with the Steam Deck. This tool can be accessed through the Steam client on your PC. Simply go to your library, select a game, and click on the “Manage” drop-down menu. From there, select “Compatibility Tools” and click on “Steam Deck Compatibility Tool.”

Checking Compatibility

Once you have accessed the compatibility tool, it will scan your game library and display a list of games that are compatible with the Steam Deck. You can also manually search for a specific game by clicking on the “Search” button. If a game is compatible, it will have a green checkmark next to it. If a game is not compatible, it will have a red “X” next to it.

What to Do if the Compatibility Tool Fails

In some cases, the compatibility tool may fail to detect the compatibility of a game. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as outdated game files or missing dependencies. If this happens, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue.

First, make sure that your game is up to date. Check for any available updates and install them before running the compatibility tool again. If the tool still fails, try verifying the game files through the Steam client. This will ensure that all necessary files are present and up to date.

If the compatibility tool still fails, you can try manually installing the necessary dependencies for the game. These can usually be found on the game’s store page on Steam. If all else fails, you can reach out to the game’s developer for assistance.

Conclusion

The Steam Deck is an exciting new device that will allow gamers to take their favorite PC games on the go. With the compatibility tool, users can easily check if their games are compatible with the Steam Deck. If the tool fails, there are steps that can be taken to troubleshoot the issue. With these tips, you can ensure a smooth gaming experience on the Steam Deck.

Have you checked your game library for Steam Deck compatibility? Let us know in the comments below.

Gulrukh Ch

About the Author: Gulrukh Ch

Gulrukh Chaudhary, an accomplished digital marketer and technology writer with a passion for exploring the frontiers of innovation. Armed with a Master's degree in Information Technology, Gulrukh seamlessly blends her technical prowess with her creative flair, resulting in captivating insights into the world of emerging technologies. Discover more about her on her LinkedIn profile.