Valve's recently announced Steam Deck is looking to change the way people look at and experience PC gaming. With the portable device, you will be able to play your favorite PC games on the go or on your couch without being chained to a desktop.
There are a ton of games that come to mind as being ideal for the upcoming machine. Some of these require Internet connections, but this should not be a huge problem depending on the infrastructure of whatever city you live in. Besides, a quick log-in to do some dailies is perfect for the Steam Deck.
10 Grand Theft Auto 5
As of now, there is no way to play Grand Theft Auto 5 on a handheld. Steam Deck should be able to run it okay. If you are not connected to the Internet, then the incredible single-player campaign should more than suffice. When online, there are numerous diversions and grinds to engage with in Grand Theft Auto Online. It will be a new way to experience the game until a sixth entry comes out; if it ever does.
9 Divinity: Original Sin
CRPGs are ideal for handheld play. Being on a train or plane is the perfect time to think about your characters' stats and equipment. The turn-based action requires deep thought, something which proves meditative and relaxing during a commute. Divinity: Original Sin and its sequel are not easy, but any RPG fan should absolutely play them. Engaging with co-op might be a little harder on the device, however.
8 Final Fantasy 14
There are already a small list of games you will be unable to play on the Steam Deck. Multiplayer games like Destiny 2 and Rainbow Six Siege will not be playable at launch. Hopefully, this does not apply to Final Fantasy 14. Given the massive amount of content within this popular MMO, grinding some levels or resources while in a cafe or on your couch seems like the perfect way to kill some time.
7 Red Dead Redemption 2
Imagine putting one of the most ambitious and grandiose single-player games of all time onto a portable system. While it may not be able to run it at full settings, Red Dead Redemption 2 should work on the Steam Deck.
The gameplay is never too difficult, and the auto-aiming works well, making us think a portable version would play decently. Similar to Grand Theft Auto Online, there is plenty to do in the multiplayer mode that makes a simple check-in on a smaller console more logical than spending the time turning on a computer.
6 No Man's Sky
No Man's Sky stumbled out of the gate but has since become one of the most celebrated living games out there. It now has a ton of content for players to explore, and just about all of it has come for free. No Man's Sky has plenty of multiplayer functionality, but the game can still be played offline. There is something relaxing and low-pressure about exploring the cosmos which will translate well to a handheld.
5 Mass Effect Legendary Edition
Mass Effect Legendary Edition updates one of the finest gaming trilogies ever released. Because of all the dialogue, side quests, and replayability the experience lends itself well to portable gaming. Maybe you already beat it and want to try a new playthrough with different decisions or try and get all of your party killed in the second game's finale. This would be great to do on a portable console to and from work or school.
4 Elder Scrolls
Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim has been available on the Nintendo Switch for years. However, prior entries in the franchise have been stuck on desktops or consoles. Now, classics like Morrowind and Oblivion can be brought on the go. Each game includes a staggering amount of side quests. Some of them are simple and others include intense combat. There are also numerous other diversions to engage with to pass the time.
3 Wasteland 3
The Wasteland games are difficult even by the standards of the genre. Player choice has an impressive effect on the game world relative to other RPGs. The battles can sometimes take a long time and even minor side quests can take upwards of an hour. This makes playing on a commute a good way to beef up your party and earn better equipment in order to better prepare yourself for the challenging story missions.
2 The Witcher 3
The Witcher 3 on the Nintendo Switch is impressive simply because of its existence. The actual game runs as one would expect; not particularly smoothly.
Hopefully, the Steam Deck will run better than the Nintendo Switch port. Even if you have beaten The Witcher 3 several times, there is always something new to see on a playthrough. It is also a good way to pass the time while waiting for more Cyberpunk 2077 patches.
1 Yakuza: Like A Dragon
Going through the story of a Yakuza game without engaging with side quests takes more than 40 hours. With side quests, you can easily double that time. Those who do not have the patience or will to do all these side quests might find a better alternative in playing it on the Steam Deck. Yakuza: Like a Dragon is noted for its narrative and the depth of its bonus content, so anybody who plays it should not skip out on the bonus content.