port a game to steam deck
Port a game to Steam Deck
Steam Deck runs your existing Steam build. The port is a compatibility pass: controller first input, readable text, and a power budget.
Porting a game to Steam Deck means making your existing Steam build behave correctly on a handheld Linux device with a gamepad, not producing a separate product. A Windows build usually runs through Proton, and a native Linux build is an option rather than a requirement.
The Deck ships a 1280 by 800 screen at 7 inches, an integrated AMD chip running within a low power envelope, and a controller with trackpads and gyro. It also suspends and resumes constantly, because players close the lid mid game the way they do with a phone. Those four facts are the whole checklist.
Deck support is worth the effort because it is cheap and it converts. The same build reaches desktop players, and Deck Verified status places the game in front of handheld buyers. Summer Engine exports desktop builds for Windows, macOS, and Linux from one project, with no royalties.
The Deck Verified criteria in plain terms
Valve checks four areas. Input: full controller support with no keyboard or mouse required, and correct Deck button glyphs. Display: the default resolution must include 1280 by 800 or 1280 by 720, text must be legible on a small screen, and the game must not require a specific aspect ratio. Compatibility: the game runs under Proton without workarounds and shows no compatibility warnings. System support: any launcher or third party dependency must work on Deck.
Text size is the most common failure
UI designed for a 24 inch monitor becomes unreadable on a 7 inch screen. Test by running the game at 1280 by 800 in a small window and reading it from arms length. Increase base font size, raise contrast, reduce dense information panels, and enlarge touch and focus targets. Add a UI scale slider if the game has heavy interface. This single item fails more Verified reviews than any performance problem.
Power, frame rate, and heat
The Deck runs within roughly a 15 watt envelope, so sustained frame rate matters more than peak. Target a stable 30 or 60 fps and give players a frame rate cap, since a capped 40 fps often feels better and lasts longer on battery than an unstable 60. Add graphics presets that actually reduce cost. Test with the device unplugged for at least half an hour, because behavior changes as the device warms and the battery drains.
Suspend, resume, and saves
Players close the lid mid level. Your game must survive suspend and resume without crashing, losing audio, or corrupting state. Handle clock jumps, lost network connections, and controller reconnection on wake. Support Steam Cloud so progress moves between Deck and desktop. Save frequently and automatically, since handheld sessions are short and interrupted by design.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a separate Steam Deck build?
No. The Deck runs your existing Steam build, usually the Windows one through Proton. A native Linux depot is optional and can improve performance and compatibility.
What is the Steam Deck screen resolution?
The original Deck and the OLED model use a 1280 by 800 display at 7 to 7.4 inches. Your game should support that resolution and remain readable at it.
How do I get Deck Verified?
Valve tests builds automatically over time, and you can request a review through the Steamworks partner site. Passing means full controller support, correct glyphs, legible text at 1280 by 800, and no Proton compatibility warnings.
Does Deck support affect desktop players?
Positively. Controller support, scalable UI, frame rate caps, and cloud saves all improve the desktop version too. Very little Deck work is Deck specific.
Is a Linux build required?
No. Proton runs most Windows builds well. A native Linux build is worth adding when you hit compatibility issues or want the performance headroom.
Keep exploring
More ways to build with Summer Engine
AI game maker
The hub for making complete 2D and 3D games by describing them.
OpenPort a 3DS game to Steam Deck
Rebuild a 3DS game you own in Summer Engine, then ship a Steam build that plays well on a 1280x800 handheld with gamepad only input.
OpenPort a game to Steam
Steam takes a desktop executable, a depot, and a store page. This is the checklist for getting any game from another platform onto it.
OpenPort a 3DS game to Steam
Rebuild a 3DS game you own in Summer Engine, then export a Windows, macOS, or Linux build and publish it on Steam.
OpenHow to port a 3DS game
The full process, in order: rights, asset inventory, rebuild, screen and input redesign, testing, export, and store submission.
OpenBring a 3DS game to Steam
The release side of a 3DS port: rights, Steamworks setup, store page, builds, review, wishlists, pricing, and launch day.
OpenPort a Nintendo DS game to Steam
Rebuild a DS game you own in Summer Engine, then export a desktop build for Steam. Mouse covers the stylus, monitors cover both screens.
OpenPort a Wii game to Steam
Rebuild a Wii game you own in Summer Engine, then export a desktop build for Steam. Pointer becomes mouse. Motion becomes a design decision.
OpenPort a PSP game to Steam
Rebuild a PSP game you own in Summer Engine and export a desktop build for Steam. One screen already fits. One analog nub does not.
OpenPlatformer templates
Start from a ready-made project and describe your changes.
BrowseBrowse all game templates
Start from a ready-made project and describe your changes.
BrowseStart building your game now
Download Summer Engine, describe what you want, and watch it come together. Free to start, no coding required.