The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Steam Deck Verified, ProtonDB, and AWACY answer different compatibility questions, so their results are not directly comparable scores. Valve assesses the Steam Deck experience, ProtonDB collects community reports about Linux and Steam Deck compatibility, and AWACY tracks anti-cheat status. The claimed “55% gap” is not supported by a reproducible comparison in the available evidence.
What each compatibility source measures
| Source | What it assesses | How to read it |
|---|---|---|
| Steam Deck Verified | Valve’s expected game experience on Steam Deck, including controls, display and legibility, interaction, and Proton or system support. | Valve uses Verified, Playable, Unsupported, and Unknown. Verified indicates the game works well out of the box; Playable may require user adjustment. Read the listed criteria to see what needs attention. Valve’s review process is ongoing. |
| ProtonDB | Community-reported Linux and Steam Deck compatibility experience. | Reports can describe actual behavior and workarounds. Recommendation summaries and report counts change as users submit reports; they are not controlled measurements against Valve ratings or AWACY statuses. |
| AWACY | Anti-cheat compatibility status. AWACY stands for “Are We Anti-Cheat Yet.” | Documented status terms include Broken, Denied, Planned, Running, Supported, and Unknown. This is a focused anti-cheat check, not an overall verdict on controls, display, performance, or the complete Deck experience. |
Why the “55% gap” is unverified
A percentage gap requires a shared game population, a defined date, comparable status categories, rules for unknown or missing entries, and a reproducible calculation. No such underlying study or dataset for the title’s 55% claim is established here. ProtonDB’s changing site-wide totals cannot be converted into a difference between services without a common set of games and a stated method.
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Because the three systems measure different things, their outcomes can diverge without contradiction. A positive ProtonDB report may describe Linux playability while AWACY flags an anti-cheat obstacle to online play; neither result substitutes for Valve’s broader Deck review.
How to check a specific game
- Start with Steam Deck Verified. Find the game’s status and read the specific criteria behind it, rather than treating Playable or Unknown as a complete explanation. Valve’s compatibility page describes its categories and review criteria.
- Read recent ProtonDB reports. Look for reports on the same game and relevant device or runtime context. Note report dates and whether reported workarounds fit your setup; community experience can vary.
- Check AWACY when anti-cheat matters. This is especially relevant if you intend to play online. A supported anti-cheat status does not prove that every other aspect of the game works well on Deck.
- Treat Unknown and absent reports as missing evidence. They do not by themselves prove either failure or success.
- If troubleshooting, consult Steam Support. Its Steam Deck software and troubleshooting guide explains how to view compatibility details and force a per-game Steam Play tool. Forcing a tool is a test choice, not a guarantee of a working result.
What can change after you check
Compatibility information is time-sensitive: developers update games, compatibility tools evolve, Valve may revise a review, and ProtonDB users continue to report new experiences. Valve says its review process is ongoing. Its page also says tested titles maintain their ratings across Steam Deck LCD and OLED models, while reviews can be updated. Check current details for the game and the way you plan to play it.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Valve is entering the gaming console marketplace with the new Steam Deck, a console geared towards PC gamers. The Steam Deck can be docked to a monitor, and used as a PC, or docked to a TV.
- Players can play a huge variety of games at any time with the comfort of a console and the freedom of a PC. Not anti-glare screen.
- Like the name suggests, the Steam Deck will include upgraded 1TB storage, and will include a carrying case. A micro SD slot will also enable expanded storage.
- Valve partnered with AMD to create a specialized APU optimized for handheld gaming, and Valve says the chip will deliver performance to run AAA gaming titles.
- The Steam Deck is outfitted with a 7-inch touchscreen, and two trackpads under the control sticks that allow gamers to operate games never designed outside of mouse and keyboard capabilities.
Rank #3
- Operating System: SteamOS 3.0
Rank #2
- International (UK) Version
- 7.4” diagonal, HDR OLED, 1280 x 800 x RGB, up to 90Hz Refresh rate, High performance touch, <0.1 ms Response time, 1,000 nits peak brightness (HDR), 600 nits (SDR)
- SteamOS 3.0 (Arch-based)
- 512GB NVMe SSD, 16GB LPDDR5 on-board RAM (5500 MT/s quad 32-bit channels), microSD UHS-I supports SD, SDXC and SDHC
- 6 nm AMD APU, CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32
#1 Best Overall
- 1TB NVMe SSD
- 1280 x 800 HDR OLED display with premium anti-glare etched glass, 7.4" Diagonal display size up to 90Hz refresh rate
- Wi-Fi 6E
- 50Whr battery; 3-12 hours of gameplay (content-dependent)
- Carrying case with removable liner
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