Tag: Steam Deck

  • Why the Steam Controller is the Best Gamepad for Gamers

    Why the Steam Controller is the Best Gamepad for Gamers

    Key Takeaways

    1. The upcoming Steam Controller 2 incorporates lessons learned from the Steam Deck and enhances features like dual analog sticks with TMR technology to prevent stick drift.
    2. Gyro aiming through touch on the new controller improves gameplay in titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and various shooting games.
    3. The Steam Controller 2 is expected to be compatible with multiple platforms, including Valve’s own devices and potentially the upcoming Xbox, thanks to support for Steam Input.
    4. Initial reviews from outlets like IGN and Digital Foundry praise the Steam Controller 2 for its responsiveness and overall positive experience.
    5. The release date for the Steam Controller 2 is anticipated soon, following a recent tease from Valve about new hardware announcements.

    The original Steam Controller made its debut in 2015 and gained a following, including myself, but some critics pointed out that its dual touchpads weren’t always ideal for console games. With the introduction of the Steam Deck, which built on the features of the Steam Controller and Steam Input, this feedback was taken into account. The result was a device that offers complete controller support, along with the dual trackpads and four back buttons reminiscent of the first Steam Controller. Now, there’s buzz about a new version, often referred to as Steam Controller 2, set to launch this year. As someone who enjoys both mouse & keyboard and gamepad experiences across various games, I’m really looking forward to it.

    Building on Previous Successes

    The upcoming Steam Controller appears to incorporate everything learned from the Steam Deck. Nothing seems to have been lost in translation, and actually, even more enhancements have been made. The dual analog sticks are now designed to virtually eliminate stick drift due to TMR technology. As a person who developed an unexpected fondness for the 2015 Steam Controller thanks to a former roommate, this is exciting news. For those who missed out or didn’t grasp the reasons behind its popularity, I highly suggest checking out the Nerrel review, which also offers a gentle introduction to Steam Input and its role in motion controls for emulators.

    Advantages of Gyro Aim

    A standout feature of the Steam Deck update compared to the 2015 Steam Controller is the ability to activate gyro aiming solely through touch. This is beneficial for games where gyro input is essential or enhances the gaming experience, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or any shooting titles. The support for easy motion controls through Steam Input is a real blessing. Among current consoles, only Xbox lacks built-in support for motion controls, while PlayStation games require manual activation and often have it disabled by developers. Since the days of Splatoon and the Wii’s IR sensor aiming, Nintendo has prioritized delivering a great gyro aiming experience in its games.

    Compatibility Beyond PC

    Interestingly, there are no strict limitations that confine the new Steam Controller to just PC hardware. At the very least, Valve’s own computers and the upcoming Xbox are expected to be fully compatible, including Steam Input. Furthermore, a lively market for controller adapters exists. If adapter manufacturers like Mayflash or Brook can maintain even basic XInput functionality, the 2026 Steam Controller could easily find its place in competitive gaming. Having reviewed multiple gamepads, I can appreciate how Valve’s controls stack up against first-party options, and I would be dishonest if I claimed the next Steam Controller doesn’t tempt me. However, I’m currently enamored with the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller’s adjustable stick tension and interchangeable sticks. There are always hardware modifications…

    Positive Early Reviews

    Initial feedback from writers who have had more access than I indicates that the high hopes for Steam Controller 2 are well-founded. Multiple outlets, including IGN and Digital Foundry, have reported that the controller offers a pleasant and responsive experience. If the D-Pad is at least as good as that on the Steam Deck, I know I’ll be convinced. The closest alternative to the Steam Controller we’ve seen since 2015 is the Wireless Horipad for Steam, which features touch-sensitive analog sticks—this carries over from Steam Deck for better gyro integration, although it lacks trackpads. Hopefully, Valve will soon reveal the release date for the 2026 Steam Controller, as a Steam Hardware announcement has been teased since Friday—more details on that below.

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  • Electronic Arts Developing Javelin Anti-Cheat for Steam Deck, Linux, ARM

    Electronic Arts Developing Javelin Anti-Cheat for Steam Deck, Linux, ARM

    Key Takeaways

    1. EA is hiring to develop a native ARM driver for Javelin anti-cheat, which may allow more games on ARM and Linux systems.
    2. This change could expand the availability of popular EA games, like Battlefield and Madden NFL, to a wider audience beyond just x86 Windows PCs.
    3. The move indicates EA’s commitment to improving support for anti-cheat measures across different operating systems and hardware.
    4. Current challenges in Linux gaming are largely due to anti-cheat software limiting game compatibility outside x86 environments.
    5. As Linux gaming improves, companies like EA see value in supporting these platforms, especially with growing ARM Windows laptop markets.

    According to a job ad posted by Electronic Arts, EA is looking for new hires to “create a native ARM driver for Javelin anti-cheat” and to “map out a strategy for EA Javelin Anticheat to accommodate more operating systems and hardware in the future, such as Linux and Proton.” In simpler terms, this suggests that games that can’t currently be played on ARM and/or Linux computers (like the Steam Deck and the soon-to-come Steam Machine) due to Javelin Anticheat needing an x86 version of Windows might soon be available on other operating systems. As EA is still in the process of hiring for this role, it’s likely that this change is still months away, but the investment signifies EA’s commitment to broaden Javelin anti-cheat support.

    Big News for Gamers

    For gamers who are affected by this situation, this is significant news. Being confined to consoles or an x86-based Windows PC can severely limit options, especially for EA’s lineup of extremely popular multiplayer AAA titles like Battlefield and Madden NFL. Adequate support for ARM and Linux users greatly enhances the potential player base for these games and helps to increase the range of devices like the Steam Deck, which generally have the power to run these games in some capacity but are unable to due to strict kernel-level anti-cheats like Javelin.

    Challenges in Linux Gaming

    That’s basically the biggest current flaw in Linux gaming. Thanks to Valve’s Proton compatibility layer, gaming performance on Linux has shown to be quite competitive with Windows 11, and it even outperforms it on low-power handheld devices like the Steam Deck. Nowadays, issues with game compatibility are mostly due to anti-cheat software blocking games from being played outside of a controlled x86 Windows environment. As Linux gaming continues to develop, companies like EA see more reasons to broaden their support to include those platforms. This is also advantageous for the rising market of low-power, mid-range performance ARM Windows laptops that utilize Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite platform.

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  • Resident Evil Requiem Unsupported on Steam Deck Despite Good Performance

    Resident Evil Requiem Unsupported on Steam Deck Despite Good Performance

    Key Takeaways

    1. Valve categorizes games for Steam Deck as Verified, Playable, Unsupported, or Unknown to assist users in gauging performance before purchase.
    2. Resident Evil Requiem is labeled as Unsupported, indicating potential launch or performance issues, but it is found to be quite playable with minor tweaks.
    3. Performance tests show that indoor scenes can exceed 60 FPS on the Steam Deck with minimal modifications, while outdoor settings are more challenging.
    4. Adjusting graphics settings can significantly improve gameplay, achieving up to 80 FPS in indoor scenes with lifted frame rate caps.
    5. The reliability of Valve’s verification process is questionable, as some Verified titles have performance issues, while some Unsupported titles may run well with adjustments.

    Valve has a system to help users of Steam Deck figure out how well a game works on the device before they make a purchase. Games are categorized as Verified, Playable, Unsupported, or Unknown based on their performance. This should ideally assist gamers in determining whether a title will function smoothly. Nevertheless, the system isn’t always reliable, and Resident Evil Requiem is a recent example of this issue.

    Resident Evil Requiem’s Status

    Currently, Resident Evil Requiem is labeled as Unsupported on the Steam Deck. Generally, this label indicates that the game either fails to launch on the device or has significant performance or compatibility issues. However, the team at SteamDeckHQ ran tests on the game using Valve’s handheld and discovered that it is indeed quite playable.

    Performance Insights

    SteamDeckHQ noted that the game performs surprisingly well without extensive modifications. They mentioned that indoor settings run much smoother and can even achieve over 60 FPS on the Steam Deck with minimal effort. On the other hand, outdoor settings are more challenging, particularly in the initial segment where players navigate as Leon outside.

    The game automatically utilizes FSR 1 and limits the frame rate to 30 FPS on the Steam Deck. Nevertheless, tweaking a few options can greatly enhance the gameplay experience. For example, by using mostly low graphics settings, switching to FSR 3.1.5 on Balanced or Quality, and adjusting texture filtering to 16x anisotropic, players can achieve a notably smoother performance.

    Adjustments and Results

    With these adjustments, they managed to target 45 FPS at a 90Hz refresh rate on the Steam Deck OLED while keeping HDR active. The power consumption during gameplay varied from 16W to 18W, which is quite acceptable for a handheld device. When the frame rate cap was lifted, indoor scenes could even reach about 80 FPS, although this increased power usage to over 22W. From these findings, it’s clear that Resident Evil Requiem may not meet the standards for the Verified label, but it certainly feels more like Playable than Unsupported.

    This scenario brings to light a persistent problem with Valve’s verification process. Some titles labeled as Verified still face performance issues, while others marked as Unsupported can run well with minor tweaks. A prime example is Borderlands 4, which boasts a Verified badge yet has faced criticism for its poor performance on the handheld. So, it’s advisable to look at user feedback and gameplay analyses rather than just depending on Valve’s system when considering a purchase.

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  • Mewgenics Tops Steam Deck’s Most Played Games in February 2026

    Mewgenics Tops Steam Deck’s Most Played Games in February 2026

    Key Takeaways

    1. Mewgenics launched on PC after ten years and sold over one million copies in its first week, earning more than $23 million.
    2. The game topped the Steam Deck Top Played list in February 2026, surpassing popular titles like Stardew Valley and Fallout 4.
    3. Mewgenics is Verified on the Steam Deck, providing a smooth gameplay experience without the need for tweaks.
    4. The game has a Very Positive rating on Steam, with 91% of over 19,000 reviews being positive.
    5. Mewgenics was recently offered at a discounted price, but has returned to its regular price of $29.99.

    After being revealed more than ten years ago, Mewgenics finally made its debut on PC last month. In just one week post-launch, the game sold over one million copies and raked in more than $23 million. Interestingly, it appears that players on the Steam Deck are having the most fun with it.

    Popularity Among Handheld Users

    If you take a look at the official Steam Deck Top Played list, which highlights the games that handheld users are engaging with the most, Mewgenics stood out as the top game in February 2026. That’s quite an impressive feat, especially since it has surpassed well-loved and established titles such as Stardew Valley, Fallout 4, and even Baldur’s Gate 3.

    Smooth Gameplay Experience

    For those who haven’t given it a shot yet, Mewgenics is Verified on the Steam Deck, and it operates flawlessly right from the start. There’s no need for any tweaks or changes to get the best performance.

    Currently, the game boasts a Very Positive rating on Steam. With over 19,000 reviews, 91% of them are classified as positive. A short while ago, it was even offered at a reduced price, dropping from $29.99 to $26.99. But that promotion is over now, and it has returned to its regular price.

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  • Hytale Update 3 Released by Hypixel Studios; Features May Change

    Hytale Update 3 Released by Hypixel Studios; Features May Change

    Key Takeaways

    1. Hytale’s early access launched on January 13, with regular updates and enhancements being made by Hypixel Studios to improve player experience.
    2. The third significant update introduced features like better notifications for bed use, improved UI navigation, and upgrades to inventory management and construction.
    3. Lead developer Collins-Laflamme advises players not to get too attached to the game’s current state, as gameplay mechanics will change significantly over the next year.
    4. Player feedback is crucial, and the studio is focusing on quick fixes for immediate issues, while also considering long-term changes.
    5. Upcoming quality-of-life improvements include the addition of infinite water, which may later be adjusted as the game’s systems evolve.

    Ever since Hytale opened its early access on January 13, fans have embraced the nostalgic yet innovative sandbox game. Hypixel Studios is actively maintaining the excitement by delivering regular updates, bug fixes, new features, and enhancements to improve player experience as they prepare for a complete launch. Nevertheless, some of these enhancements are just temporary fixes that may be scaled down when the game fully releases.

    Recent Updates

    With Hytale being available for only a month, the third significant update has already been released. This update includes features like better notifications when players use beds, improvements in UI navigation, and upgrades to inventory management and construction, which have been highly requested by the community.

    Developer Insights

    However, lead developer Collins-Laflamme warns players not to get too attached to Hytale’s current state or its features, as more updates are coming soon. He mentioned that the gameplay mechanics of Hytale will be quite different a year from now.

    In a recent community message shared on X, Collins-Laflamme stated, “The way you play the game is going to look very different a year from now.” Hypixel Studios is attentively taking player feedback into account to better understand what issues need to be prioritized.

    Future Changes

    Collins-Laflamme elaborated in his post, “We’re currently working on many changes, and thanks to all your feedback and suggestions, we have a much better idea of what to prioritize.” The studio is now concentrating on issues that are “quick fixes that alleviate real pain points today, even if they aren’t the long-term solution.”

    One noticeable upcoming quality-of-life improvement is the introduction of infinite water. The lead developer explained:

    “Infinite water is likely to be added in an upcoming update. Carrying buckets back and forth to fill a pond is boring, and draining rivers and lakes doesn’t look appealing either. However, water might become a valuable resource in future systems, so an infinite supply may not be permanent. But for now, it’ll make your life a lot easier.”

    As Hytale evolves, water may play a crucial role in more extensive mechanics such as farming and crafting, which could make the concept of infinite water seem out of place down the line.

    Collins-Laflamme added, “As the game’s systems deepen, some of these early quality-of-life improvements will need adjustments, and when that happens, we’ll strive to replace them with something equally beneficial through genuine gameplay.”

    Hytale is available to play on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Although it is not listed on the Steam storefront, it can be downloaded directly and played on the Steam Deck using the Linux launcher.

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  • Co-op Shooter with Intense Combat Hits Lowest Price on Steam

    Co-op Shooter with Intense Combat Hits Lowest Price on Steam

    Key Takeaways

    1. Realistic Depiction: The game uses real veteran interviews to provide an accurate portrayal of the Second Battle of Fallujah, sparking significant debate about its realism.

    2. Cooperative Gameplay: Six Days in Fallujah focuses on high-stakes, house-to-house combat in a four-player cooperative mode, enhancing the tactical experience.

    3. Varied Missions: While missions may feel limited, procedurally generated landscapes ensure each playthrough is unique, adding to the game’s tension.

    4. Steep Difficulty: The game offers a challenging experience, which may appeal to hardcore gamers, but can frustrate solo players due to unreliable AI partners.

    5. Pricing and Availability: Currently priced at approximately $25.99 during a discount period, the game is available on Steam and has a positive rating from players.

    Six Days in Fallujah throws players into the shoes of a US Marine during the intense Second Battle of Fallujah in 2004. This game takes a documentary-like viewpoint, using real interviews from veterans to depict the events as accurately as it can. Such a focus on realism ignited a lot of discussions even before it was launched. The German gaming publication PC Games even labeled it the “most controversial shooter of the year.”

    Gameplay Dynamics

    When it comes to gameplay, Six Days in Fallujah emphasizes high-stakes, house-to-house combat in a four-player cooperative mode. One of its unique features is the sound design: the mix of radio transmissions, echoing rooms, and blast trauma effects, combined with intricate visuals, creates a heavy and eerie atmosphere. For instance, after a blast, thick dust clouds fill narrow spaces, cutting down visibility and ramping up the tension during close-quarters battles.

    Mission Variety

    User feedback on Steam notes that the available missions are somewhat limited. However, the procedurally generated landscapes guarantee that each mission plays out differently. There aren’t any standard building layouts, so players can’t depend on well-known floor plans. This randomness adds even more tension to the already fierce close-quarters combat.

    Currently, on Steam, Six Days in Fallujah has an 80% positive rating from over 15,800 user reviews. Players are particularly fond of the fierce gunfights, outstanding sound design, and strong focus on tactical co-op gameplay. Meanwhile, some reviews point out the inconsistent enemy AI and a lack of content as the game’s biggest flaws.

    Challenge and Solo Play

    It’s important to mention the steep difficulty level, which is likely to attract gamers looking for a serious challenge. Nonetheless, the game might not be ideal for solo players. While it can be played alone, unreliable AI partners together with the tough gameplay often leads to frustration.

    Six Days in Fallujah is created by the American studio Highwire Games, with Victura as the publisher. The game entered Early Access in June 2023. Initially, a full release was aimed for late 2025, but that timeline has been pushed back and development is still in progress.

    Pricing Information

    The cooperative shooter is usually priced around $40 on Steam. However, it is currently being offered at a 35% discount, lowering the price to $25.99 until March 6. As per SteamDB, this matches its previous lowest price, which was available in early January. The game also has a “Playable” rating on the Steam Deck, which can be found on Amazon for about $650.

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  • Devil Daggers II: Sorath Revives Steam’s Toughest Arena Shooter

    Devil Daggers II: Sorath Revives Steam’s Toughest Arena Shooter

    Key Takeaways

    1. Announcement of Sequel: Devil Daggers II is in development, announced on February 18, 2026, marking the 10th anniversary of the original game.

    2. Casual Celebration: Sorath, the studio behind the game, thanked 350,000 players and highlighted the achievement of 1,472 players who survived over 500 seconds in the original game.

    3. Limited Details: No screenshots, features, or release date for Devil Daggers II have been shared, but the original game’s gameplay will return.

    4. Extreme Difficulty: The original Devil Daggers is known for its challenging gameplay, with most players dying within two minutes and only a few surviving longer than 500 seconds.

    5. Ongoing Support: Sorath continues to support the original game and released a spiritual successor, Hyper Demon, in 2022, while Devil Daggers is playable on Valve’s Steam Deck.

    The indie arena shooter known for its extreme difficulty, which has been around for ten years, finally has a sequel on the way. The new game was announced on February 18, 2026, exactly a decade after the original Devil Daggers made its debut on Steam.

    Casual Announcement

    Sorath, the studio behind Devil Daggers, which has garnered a dedicated fanbase, shared the exciting news in a very laid-back manner. On the game’s 10th birthday, they posted a message on Steam.

    In their post titled “Celebrating 10 years!”, Sorath expressed:

    “A massive thank you to the 350,000 players who enjoyed Devil Daggers over the past decade! And a huge shout-out to the 1,472 who managed to reach 500 seconds. Seems like a perfect day to let you know that we’re hard at work on Devil Daggers II. Stay tuned!”

    Limited Information

    While Sorath has confirmed that Devil Daggers II is in development, they have not shared any screenshots, features, or a release date. Currently, they have only mentioned that the original game’s horrifying gameplay is returning.

    For those who haven’t yet played Devil Daggers, it’s a dark, low-poly arena shooter. Players start in a completely dark arena armed only with an endless supply of daggers. As the game begins, players face waves of flying skulls, centipedes, giant worms, and orbs.

    Intense Gameplay

    The difficulty escalates rapidly, leading most players to die within two minutes. A timer that mocks players sits in the top right corner, while the arena gets overwhelmed with relentless enemies.

    Out of the 350,000 who have attempted to conquer Devil Daggers, only 1,472 players have survived longer than 500 seconds, which is just over eight minutes. Many of these players have showcased their achievements on YouTube.

    However, the world record continues to be broken, with a player named whysotp posting a run of 1272.0891 seconds, or just over 21 minutes, on YouTube on July 21, 2025. This impressive feat required significant practice, as whysotp dedicated over 2,000 hours to mastering Devil Daggers.

    Ongoing Support

    In the meantime, Sorath has kept the game relevant by providing updates and even launching a spiritual successor called Hyper Demon in 2022. The game is also marked as ‘playable’ on Valve’s Steam Deck for those who want to play on the go. While awaiting more details, fans can look forward to the upcoming Devil Daggers II.

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  • Global Steam Deck Shortage Deepens Amid AI Memory Crisis

    Global Steam Deck Shortage Deepens Amid AI Memory Crisis

    Key Takeaways

    1. Global Shortage: The Steam Deck is experiencing stock shortages not just in the U.S., but also in Canada, Europe, and parts of Asia due to memory and storage part shortages.

    2. Production Halt: The LCD version of the Steam Deck has stopped production, contributing to its unavailability, while current models are also affected by ongoing supply issues.

    3. AI Demand Impact: The rise in AI infrastructure has increased demand for memory and storage, leading chip manufacturers to prioritize AI orders over consumer products like the Steam Deck.

    4. Rising Costs: Prices for RAM modules and SSDs have surged significantly, impacting various tech products, including laptops from major brands, due to component shortages.

    5. Uncertain Recovery: There is no clear timeline for when stock levels will normalize, with some predictions suggesting improvements in specific markets by the end of the month.

    The Steam Deck portable gaming console is becoming harder to find, and this isn’t just a problem in the U.S. After several weeks of inconsistent availability in the U.S. and parts of Asia, the shortage has now extended to Canada and Europe.

    Cause of Shortages

    Valve has stated that the situation is due to shortages in memory and storage parts in specific areas. What started as small stock issues is now evolving into a larger global supply problem.

    According to reports from GamingOnLinux and checks on various regional pages of the Valve official store, the Steam Deck is currently out of stock in Germany, Austria, Poland, France, and various other countries in the EU, as well as in Canada and Japan. At the time of writing, however, stock is still available in Australia, the U.K., Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan.

    Production Issues

    There’s an important detail to note: the LCD version of the Steam Deck has stopped production, which is why that specific model is sold out everywhere. Nevertheless, the ongoing availability problems also affect the current models.

    When stock will return to normal in the impacted regions remains uncertain. Valve’s East Asian partner, Komodo Station, predicts that stock levels in its markets could return by the end of the month, but no global timeline has been shared.

    Impact of AI on Supply

    Regarding the reasons for the shortage, Valve briefly mentioned that the Steam Deck OLED may be intermittently out of stock in some areas due to memory and storage issues.

    The current shortage of memory and storage is being fueled by a boom in AI infrastructure, as major tech firms and hyperscalers are investing billions into data centers that house large amounts of AI GPUs. These systems need significant amounts of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and NAND storage.

    Since AI companies are ready to pay higher prices, chip manufacturers are prioritizing their orders. This situation leaves less capacity for consumer products — including the Steam Deck. In essence, gaming handhelds are now in direct competition with AI clusters for the same memory and storage chips.

    Broader Market Effects

    The Steam Deck isn’t the only device feeling the effects of this issue. RAM modules and SSDs were affected earlier, with their prices rising by 2× to 5× compared to last year. Laptop makers followed suit, with brands like Dell, Lenovo, and Framework announcing price increases tied to component costs. Even Apple has warned that memory limitations will heavily impact its Q2 earnings as it seeks to secure supplies.

    While the Steam Deck may be the first gaming handheld to face such severe difficulties, it likely won’t be the last if these supply issues continue.

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  • New Zelda-like RPG Hits Steam with 90% Positive Reviews & Discount

    New Zelda-like RPG Hits Steam with 90% Positive Reviews & Discount

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Concept: “Under the Island” is an indie game that emphasizes unique mechanical challenges and curiosity, inspired by 90s handheld games, and features a character named Nia in a sinking island environment.

    2. Gameplay Focus: The game prioritizes ecosystem interaction over traditional stat-grinding, with diverse tools for puzzles and combat, including a fire-breathing plant and a bird companion.

    3. Community Reception: It has received a 90% “Positive” rating on Steam, praised for its vibrant pixel art and whimsical style, appealing to fans of classic gaming aesthetics.

    4. Technical Performance: The game is Steam Deck Verified, running smoothly at 60 FPS, although it does not support a 16:10 aspect ratio, resulting in black bars on the device.

    5. Pricing and Promotions: The MSRP is $19.99, with a 15% launch discount available until March 3, 2026, bringing the price to $16.99, and it is part of various launch bundles for better discounts.

    Nowadays, indie games are everywhere, especially ones that aim to bring back the feel of the 16-bit time. A fresh release, Under the Island (the latest from Slime King Games), focuses more on the unique mechanical challenges and the curiosity of handheld games from the 90s. It launched on February 17, 2026, and follows Nia, a new resident of Seashell Island, who soon finds out that her new home is sinking. Published by Top Hat Studios, the game features a “braided” world design where the environment reacts to how players progress and the difficulty they choose, often changing the layout of the biomes to encourage creative navigation.

    Gameplay Dynamics

    Regarding gameplay, the focus is more on interacting with the ecosystem rather than the usual stat-grinding. Nia has a diverse set of tools at her disposal – including a fire-breathing plant, a bird companion for activating switches, and a hockey stick that serves as her main, though unusual, weapon. Puzzles are central to the storyline. You’ll encounter classic block-pushing and light-reflection puzzles, along with surprising Picross-style logic gates. Combat has received a mixed response; while the “stage play” boss battles are praised for their visual and mechanical design, some early players have pointed out that regular enemies have unexpectedly high health, which can create a “spongy” experience in the early game before players unlock better weapons.

    Community Feedback

    The community response has been impressively positive, holding a 90% “Positive” rating during its first review wave on Steam. Gamers particularly appreciate the “Saturday morning cartoon” art style, showcasing vibrant pixel art with a whimsical, light-hearted tone. From a technical standpoint, the game is a highlight for portable gaming lovers, launching with Steam Deck Verified status and achieving a steady 60 FPS. However, it does not support a 16:10 aspect ratio, which results in black bars on the Deck (currently priced at $636 on Amazon) – but overall, the performance remains smooth, and the somewhat vague quest logs are being praised as they encourage real exploration rather than just following markers.

    Pricing and Promotions

    Top Hat Studios has set the game’s price at an MSRP of $19.99, but early buyers can benefit from a 15% launch discount. This promotion lowers the price to $16.99 until March 3, 2026. Additionally, Under the Island is included in various launch bundles, such as the “Under the Island x Castaway” package, which offers a better total discount of 26%.

    Steam, SteamDB

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  • Asus ROG Xbox Ally Sales Slow as Steam Deck Dominates Handhelds

    Asus ROG Xbox Ally Sales Slow as Steam Deck Dominates Handhelds

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft and Asus initially saw strong sales of the ROG Xbox Ally, but growth has slowed significantly, with no recent sales figures reported.
    2. The Steam Deck remains the preferred choice among gamers, with a substantial lead in sales over the ROG Xbox Ally.
    3. Despite declining sales, Asus is optimistic about future revenue from the ROG Xbox Ally, projecting up to $160 million in Q4 2025.
    4. Microsoft faces challenges with the Xbox Full Screen Experience, which has been criticized for its navigation and update issues, unlike the Steam Deck’s smoother experience.
    5. Valve is experiencing availability problems due to component shortages, leading to stock issues for the Steam Deck and potential price increases for the ROG Xbox Ally.

    Microsoft had high hopes that the ROG Xbox Ally would help the company gain a strong presence in the handheld gaming PC sector. Initially, sales were robust, but that growth has slowed down in recent months. On an Xbox Expansion Pass podcast, analyst Matt Piscatella from Circana noted that Valve’s Steam Deck is still the more favored option among gamers.

    Sales Insights

    Unfortunately, neither Microsoft nor Asus have released recent sales figures. However, Piscatella, who tracks retail sales, stated that Microsoft and Asus have not made a significant impact on the Steam Deck’s sales. He mentioned that the ROG Xbox Ally had a good launch month but has seen a noticeable decline since then.

    Current Status of ROG Xbox Ally

    Despite the downward trend, sales of the ROG Xbox Ally continue, albeit at a slower pace. Piscatella remarked, “It’s just kind of moving along at what you might expect for that price for that type of market.”

    When the Windows handheld gaming PCs debuted in October, the higher-priced ROG Xbox Ally X quickly sold out in various areas, while its cheaper counterpart was found more easily. Nevertheless, an optimistic Asus has projected that these devices could bring in as much as $160 million in revenue during Q4 2025.

    Challenges Ahead

    Apart from pricing issues, Microsoft has also faced challenges with the launch of the Xbox Full Screen Experience. Many gamers have voiced frustrations about its awkward navigation and frequent, lengthy updates. These problems are not as prevalent with the Steam Deck, which offers a more fluid console-like experience.

    It seems unlikely that any Linux or Windows handheld will surpass the Steam Deck’s popularity. As of early 2025, IDC reported that Valve has sold around 4 million units. In 2024, nearly half of all purchases in this segment were for the SteamOS device. With rising competition from products like the Lenovo Legion Go and MSI Claw series, those sales figures might have taken a hit.

    Availability Issues

    Currently, Valve is grappling with availability challenges. The company has acknowledged the difficulties stemming from storage and memory shortages, resulting in the Steam Deck OLED being out of stock in numerous countries. The LCD version was discontinued towards the end of 2025, and there are not many budget-friendly alternatives available.

    Given the demand for components, a price hike for the ROG Xbox Ally could be on the horizon. Recently, retailers in Japan increased the price of the Ryzen Z2 Extreme model by over 20%.

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