Steam Deck Weekly: New Releases Rock the Handheld Market

This week's Steam Deck Weekly dives into recent gameplay experiences, reviews, and noteworthy sales. Missed my Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 review? Catch it here!

Steam Deck Game Reviews & Impressions

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck Review

Yearly sports releases often face criticism, but I've always appreciated 2K's NBA titles, flaws and all. NBA 2K25 stands out for two key reasons: it's the first PC version since the PS5 launch to feature the "Next Gen" experience, and it's officially optimized for Steam Deck (though not yet officially rated by Valve). Having played it on Steam Deck, both consoles, I'm highly satisfied, though some familiar issues persist.

Longtime PC NBA 2K players will appreciate ProPLAY technology (previously exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X) for enhanced gameplay, and the WNBA's PC debut alongside MyNBA mode. If you skipped past PC releases hoping for the complete experience, NBA 2K25 delivers. I hope its success ensures continued Next-Gen PC releases and ongoing Steam Deck support from 2K.

The PC and Steam Deck versions boast 16:10 and 800p support. AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS are included, but I disabled them (explained later). Adjustable settings include v-sync, dynamic v-sync (targeting 90fps/45fps), HDR (Steam Deck compatible!), texture detail, overall quality, and shader options. Caching shaders on initial boot is recommended. NBA 2K25 on Steam Deck performs a brief shader cache on each launch.

Extensive graphics options are available, including shader, shadow, player, and crowd detail, NPC density, volumetric effects, reflections, era filters, global illumination, ambient occlusion, TAA, motion blur, depth of field, bloom, and max anisotropy. I used low/medium settings, disabling upscaling for better clarity. Capping the framerate to 60fps at 60hz via the Steam Deck quick menu provided the most stable and clear experience.

The default Steam Deck visual preset is functional but appeared overly blurry to me, prompting my manual adjustments.

Offline play is partially supported. While some modes require online access (MyCAREER, MyTEAM), quick play and eras function offline. Load times were noticeably faster offline.

Technically, the console versions surpass the Steam Deck experience, but I find myself playing more on Valve's handheld. Load times are slower on Steam Deck, even with an OLED's internal SSD, but not excessively so. Note that PC lacks crossplay with consoles.

Microtransactions remain an issue, significantly impacting certain game modes. If you prioritize core gameplay, they're less impactful, but the $69.99 price point is higher than previous years.

NBA 2K25 delivers a fantastic portable basketball experience on Steam Deck, matching PS5/Xbox Series X feature parity. With minor adjustments, it looks and plays great. 2K finally brought all features to PC after years of waiting. Enjoy, but be mindful of microtransactions.

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5

Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions

Unfamiliar with Gimmick! 2? Check out Shaun's Switch review here. It runs smoothly on Steam Deck (unverified by Valve), with Steam Deck and Linux fixes in the latest patch.

Capped at 60fps on Steam Deck (forcing 60hz on OLEDs is recommended). No graphics options, but 16:10 menu support is present. 1080p testing confirmed proper 16:10 support in menus (gameplay remains 16:9). I expect Steam Deck verification soon due to its excellent out-of-the-box performance. I concur with Shaun's positive review.

Arco Steam Deck Mini Review

Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG, has received a major Steam update (not yet on Switch) addressing previous issues. It's Steam Deck Verified and runs flawlessly on both my Steam Decks.

The combat system is surprisingly engaging, blending real-time elements into turn-based gameplay. The audio and story are standout features. The game offers unique gameplay styles for different characters and narratives.

Capped at 60fps, with only 16:9 support. A beta assist mode allows skipping combat, infinite dynamite, and skipping the first act on replays.

Arco exceeded my expectations. The dynamic gameplay, visuals, music, and story are exceptional. A free demo is available on Steam.

Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5

Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review

Skull and Bones, recently added to Steam, is playable but not without its quirks. Ubisoft's confirmation of Steam Deck playability was encouraging. This review focuses on the Steam Deck port.

Officially rated "Playable" by Valve. Ubisoft Connect login is initially cumbersome. The tutorial runs well, but for better performance, I used a 30fps cap, 16:10 at 800p, FSR 2 quality upscaling (performance mode is more stable), and low settings (except high textures).

Early impressions of the game itself are positive, showing potential with continued support.

Full price is difficult to justify, but the free trial is recommended. Naval combat and open-world aspects are enjoyable. Cross-progression with console versions is planned.

Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA

ODDADA Steam Deck Review

ODDADA, a music-making experience, is a delightful interactive toy. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of Windosill. It uses mouse or touch controls on Steam Deck.

Runs perfectly at 90fps, with resolution, v-sync, and anti-aliasing options. Menu text is small on Steam Deck. Controller support is absent but touch controls work well.

Despite the lack of controller support, ODDADA is highly recommended for music and art enthusiasts. Touch controls are well-suited. Steam Deck verification is in progress.

ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5

Star Trucker Steam Deck Mini Review

Star Trucker blends automobile simulation and space exploration. It's unrated by Valve but runs well on Proton Experimental.

Gameplay involves space exploration, jobs, earning money, and unlocking content. Visuals, writing, and radio banter are highlights. Extensive graphics settings are available. I used a custom preset with low shadows for ~40fps. Controls need improvement.

Despite its flaws, Star Trucker is enjoyable, particularly for fans of automobile simulation and exploration. Further optimization for Steam Deck is hoped for.

Star Trucker Steam Deck review score: 4/5

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Mini Review

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia, a visual novel, is a great sequel to Rio Reincarnation. It runs perfectly on Steam Deck out of the box. 720p, 16:9 support, and flawless cutscenes.

The story is lighthearted and features returning characters. The art is excellent. Check system settings to ensure correct button configuration and aspect ratio.

Recommended for fans of Rio Reincarnation. Playing it before Rio Reincarnation is not advised.

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Review Score: 4/5

Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES Steam Deck Review Impressions

Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES is a relaunch of the original, significantly expanded with new content and improvements. It's a great game, but Steam Deck support has limitations.

The update nearly doubles campaign content, adding four factions and the Dynasty system. For owners of the original, it's a substantial enhancement.

Steam Deck play is possible using trackpad and touch controls, but controller support is absent. Initial impressions are positive.

Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions

Pinball FX offers a wide selection of tables and excellent PC port features, including HDR on Steam Deck. Gameplay is enjoyable, and the free-to-play version allows sampling.

Highly recommended for pinball enthusiasts.

New Steam Deck Verified & Playable Games

Notable additions include Hookah Haze and OneShot: World Machine Edition (Verified), and several Playable titles. Black Myth: Wukong's "Unsupported" rating is surprising given its performance.

Steam Deck Game Sales

The Games from Croatia sale offers discounts on Talos Principle and more. Sale ends Monday.

That concludes this week's Steam Deck Weekly. Feedback is welcome!