Steam Deck Verified Program Surpasses 25,000 Playable Games as Valve Maintains Strong Support

Valve's Steam Deck Verified program continues to expand, with over 25,000 games now officially playable on the handheld gaming device, representing nearly 19% of Steam's total library.

Valve's Steam Deck Verified program has reached a significant milestone, with over 25,000 games now officially categorized as either Verified or Playable on the handheld gaming device. According to data from SteamDB, more than 31,000 Steam games have been evaluated for compatibility with the Steam Deck, representing approximately 19% of the total titles available on the storefront.

Understanding the Steam Deck Verified Tiers

The Steam Deck Verified program uses a tiered system to help players understand game compatibility:

Verified: Games that run flawlessly on the Steam Deck without requiring any tweaks
Playable: Games with proper compatibility but may require manual configuration
Unsupported: Games that don't meet Valve's compatibility requirements
Unknown: Games that haven't been evaluated yet

The Reality Behind Verified Labels

While the Verified label suggests flawless performance, some games with this designation have proven to require manual tweaking for optimal gameplay. Titles like Baldur's Gate 3, Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2, and Hellblade 2 all carry the Verified tag but have been reported to need adjustments for smooth performance on the handheld device.

Conversely, some games labeled as Unsupported are actually playable. Silent Hill 2, for example, carries the Unsupported tag but runs on the Steam Deck despite Valve's classification.

Valve's Strict Evaluation Criteria

Valve maintains that each game is evaluated against a strict set of requirements when determining its compatibility status. The company's conservative approach to labeling games as Unsupported helps set realistic expectations for users, even if it means some technically playable games receive less favorable classifications.

Growing Library and Continued Support

The expansion of the Verified program demonstrates Valve's ongoing commitment to the Steam Deck ecosystem. With over 25,000 officially supported games, the handheld offers one of the most extensive libraries of any gaming device on the market.

This continued support is particularly noteworthy as speculation grows about a potential Steam Deck 2. The sustained maintenance of the Verified program suggests Valve remains invested in the current hardware while potentially preparing for future iterations.

Looking Ahead

As the Steam Deck ecosystem continues to mature, the Verified program will likely remain a crucial tool for helping players navigate the vast Steam library. The program's growth not only benefits current Steam Deck owners but also strengthens the device's value proposition for potential buyers.

The success of the Verified program has set a new standard for handheld gaming compatibility, potentially influencing how other gaming platforms approach game certification and user experience optimization.