Handheld gaming has experienced a renaissance of sorts ever since the Nintendo Switch made its groundbreaking debut in 2017. But that was almost six years ago, and the portable game console is showing its age. Enter the Steam Deck, hailed by many gamers as the next holy grail of portable gaming, the once-hard-to-get handheld is now readily available in Malaysia thanks to importers. And if you have just gotten one, figuring out which games go into your Steam Deck can be a chore considering there are currently more than 50,000 of them in the Steam library! Read on for some top Steam Deck game recommendations.
What Games Are Playable On Steam Deck?
Not all games are playable on Steam Deck. It is important to look out for these compatibility statuses before you hit the purchase button:
- Verified: The game works great on Steam Deck right out of the box.
- Playable: The game may require some manual tweaking by the user to play (i.e. manually select a community controller configuration or need to use the touchscreen to navigate a launcher).
- Unsupported: The game is currently not functional on Steam Deck.
- Unknown: The game has not been checked for compatibility yet.
Are Steam Deck Games Free?
Games on the Steam library are priced the same whether you are accessing them on the Steam Deck or desktop. However, there is no shortage of free games you can download and play right away on the handheld.
We Recommend These 11 Games That Play Best On Steam Deck
Great to play no matter where you are.
1. Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition
Three of the most-beloved classic GTA games (GTA III, GTA: Vice City, and GTA: San Andreas) all in one package, playable wherever you are. ‘Nuff said.
Genre: Action, Adventure
RRP: RM189
Get Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition on Steam
2. Vampire Survivors
This 2022 game may look unremarkable due to its retro 8-bit graphics but be forewarned. It is a dangerously-addictive gothic horror game that centres on you surviving the onslaught of thousand enemies. Not just our words, the overwhelmingly positive reviews say it all. And it costs like what, RM15?
Genre: Action, Casual, Indie, RPG
RRP: RM14.99
Get Vampire Survivors on Steam
3. Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley has been called one of the best relaxing games in the last few years (along the same vein as Animal Crossing). This Harvest Moon-like country life RPG sees you tending to your farm, growing crops, and raising animals, amongst others. If there is a perfect game to play when you’re stuck in traffic, this comes pretty close!
Genre: Indie, RPG, Simulation
RRP: RM31
4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
You may have heard all the ravings about The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt being the best RPG ever made this generation. However, it is not an easy game to start off with as it is massive and will demand hundred of playing hours to see it through. And not having to be chained in front of your TV/monitor is precisely why it is great in portable form. Toss a coin to your Steam Deck!
Genre: RPG
RRP: RM103.99
Get The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on Steam
5. Inscryption
Card-based games play great on portable platforms as they are non-intensive and can be enjoyed in bite-sized chunks. Inscryption isn’t your typical card game, as it also features a mix of escape-room-style puzzles and psychological horror. The result is unlike any game you have experienced before. So, if you’re craving a game that will surprise you at every turn, this is a must-try.
Genre: Adventure, Indie, Strategy
RRP: RM49
6. Hades
Looking for a really challenging game that does not suck out all the fun? Hades will give you a good butt-kicking. Unforgiving, unflinching, but highly satisfying once you progress through the levels, this highly-revered roguelike title should be experienced by everyone who wants to put their gaming skills to the test. With a sequel now in development, now’s a good time to give this indie gem a run.
Genre: Action, Indie, RPG
RRP: RM61
7. The Last Of Us Part 1
You have seen the show, now experience the story in its original form. Though it may be one of the greatest narrative games of all time, only Playstation console owners have the privilege to enjoy it—until now. Having made the jump to PC, the Steam Deck is your only platform to access it if you do not own a PS5 or a gaming PC.
Genre: Action, Adventure
RRP: RM249
Get The Last Of Us Part 1 on Steam
8. PowerWash Simulator
At times, all we want to kill some time is to play something that doesn’t require much mental investment. PowerWash Simulator is that kind of game, and it is a highly-addictive one! Running a power-washing business, your objective is to blast away every speck of dirt and grime with your trusty power washer. This game is the very definition of oddly satisfying.
Genre: Casual, Indie, Simulation
RRP: RM109
Get PowerWash Simulator on Steam
9. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
If you have not checked out the Ace Attorney series, you really should. The courtroom adventure series in which you play as an attorney fighting to save your innocent clients in gripping court battles is a bestseller. With absorbing plots and non-demanding gameplay that you can coast along at your own pace, it plays great while you’re on the move. And yes, you get three titles for the price of one.
Genre: Adventure
RRP: RM69
Get Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy on Steam
10. Persona 3 Portable & Persona 4 Golden Bundle
Everyone loves a good JRPG, and the Persona series about high-school students fighting evil is among the most celebrated. For the longest time, they remained hard to access for modern gamers as they were only available to play on old PlayStation consoles (except for Persona 5). Now that Persona 3 and Persona 4 have recently been ported over to the PC platform, you can finally check out these esteemed games on your Steam Deck.
Genre: RPG, Adventure, Strategy
RRP: RM154.84
Get Persona 3 Portable & Persona 4 Golden Bundle on Steam
11. Tetris Effect: Connected
You can never go wrong with Tetris on a handheld device. Tetris Effect: Connected takes the beloved block-stacking game to new dimensions by fusing it with bedazzling visuals and soothing music—perfect for a few rounds before bedtime. On top of that, there is also a multiplayer mode for those who fancy a friendly or competitive Tetris session with players from all over the world.
Genre: Casual, Indie
RRP: RM65
Get Tetris Effect: Connected on Steam
Deck Out Your Steam Game Machine With Great Games And Accessories
Besides getting some great games for your Steam Deck, you might also want to consider some essential accessories. A screen protector is a must, while thumb grips improve control accuracy. Get a docking station if you want to play your Steam Deck games on a bigger screen. If you want to enhance the look of your device, a skin sticker is the way to go. For everything else, Shopee Malaysia is a good source to find what you’re looking for.
Related: The Best Free Games On Steam That Are Totally Worth Your Time
