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Steam Deck buying checklist

A game can be 90% off and still be a bad Steam Deck purchase. Check these before you buy.

1. Compatibility is not a verdict

A “Playable” rating can mean small text or controller workarounds. Check recent ProtonDB reports and the official compatibility notes, then look for a patch that addressed the specific issue.

2. Patch state

Performance fixes often land months after launch. If the current build has known frame-time or crash issues on Deck, wait for a patch rather than hoping settings will fix it.

3. Controls and text

Check whether the game has full controller support and whether the UI scales. Strategy, CRPG and simulation games are the usual offenders; a trackpad-friendly layout is not the same as a good handheld layout.

4. Storage and shaders

Large installs plus shader caches fill a 64GB Deck quickly. If you are on a small drive, factor in the SD card and whether the game streams well from it.

5. The version

Deluxe/Ultimate editions often include cosmetic items rather than content. Check what the DLC actually adds before paying more for a bundle that is on sale.

Bottom line

If compatibility reports are mixed and the price is not at the low, wait. If the game is at its low and verified playable, buy — but only if you will start it this month.