# How do you check if a game works on Steam Deck?

> Expert guide to verifying Steam Deck game compatibility

*Published: 2025-10-23 | Updated: 2025-10-23 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/answers/how-to-check-steam-deck-game-compatibility*

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## Product: Steam Deck OLED 1TB
**Brand:** Valve Index

Steam provides multiple ways to check if your games will work on Steam Deck before purchasing or downloading them. The verification system has become quite comprehensive and reliable.

**Steam Store Compatibility Badges:**

**Verified (Green Checkmark):**
- Game works perfectly with Steam Deck controls and display
- No configuration needed
- Valve has thoroughly tested and approved
- Best experience guaranteed

**Playable (Yellow Warning):**
- Game runs but may need minor adjustments
- Might require manual configuration
- Could have small UI or control issues
- Still fully playable with tweaks

**Unsupported (Red X):**
- Game won't run or has major issues
- Often due to anti-cheat software
- May require Windows-specific features
- Not recommended for Steam Deck

**Unknown (Question Mark):**
- Not yet tested by Valve
- May work perfectly or have issues
- Community reports can provide guidance

**How to Check Compatibility:**

**1. Steam Store Pages:**
- Each game shows compatibility status
- Look for Steam Deck badge on product page
- Compatibility info appears in system requirements section

**2. Your Steam Library:**
- Steam Deck badges appear on all owned games
- Filter library by compatibility status
- See which games are ready to download

**3. ProtonDB Website:**
- Community-driven compatibility database
- Real user reports and fixes
- More detailed compatibility information
- Useful for "Unknown" status games

**4. Steam Deck Compatibility Reviews:**
- Official Valve testing process
- Detailed breakdown of what works/doesn't work
- Performance expectations and known issues

**Understanding Verification Details:**
When you click on a game's compatibility status, Steam provides specific information about:
- Control scheme compatibility
- Display/text readability
- Performance expectations
- Any required configuration steps

**Tips for Checking Compatibility:**
- Check recently updated games first—compatibility improves over time
- Look at ProtonDB for community workarounds
- "Playable" often means easily fixable minor issues
- "Unsupported" doesn't always mean impossible to run

**Special Cases:**
- Multiplayer games with anti-cheat are most likely to be unsupported
- Older single-player games usually work well
- VR games won't work (Steam Deck doesn't support VR)
- Games requiring specific Windows features may not work

The verification system makes it easy to build a library of Steam Deck-compatible games and avoid disappointment with incompatible titles.

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*Where this comes from: This answer is based on ShopSavvy's product database, real-time pricing from thousands of retailers, and analysis of user reviews to give you a well-rounded picture.*