Latest Releases: 'NBA 2K25', 'ARCO', 'ODDADA' Hit Steam Deck

This week's Steam Deck Weekly dives into recent gameplay experiences, reviews, and noteworthy sales. Missed my Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 review? Find it here!

Steam Deck Game Reviews & Impressions

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck Review

NBA 2K25 marks a significant milestone: the PC version finally aligns with the "Next Gen" experience previously exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X. Officially confirmed as Steam Deck optimized (though not yet officially rated by Valve), it delivers a satisfying portable basketball experience. While it retains some familiar 2K quirks, the inclusion of ProPLAY technology and the WNBA debut are major wins. The PC port boasts extensive graphics options, including 16:10 and 800p support, AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS (though I found disabling upscaling improved clarity). A built-in Steam Deck visual preset is available, but manual tweaking yields better results. Offline play is limited; MyCAREER and MyTEAM require online access, but Quick Play and Eras modes function offline. Load times are noticeably slower than on consoles. Microtransactions remain a persistent issue, impacting certain game modes. Despite this, the Steam Deck version provides a compelling portable alternative.

The game's impressive graphics settings allow for extensive customization, including shader detail, shadow detail, player detail, and more. I found capping the framerate at 60fps at 60hz via the Steam Deck quick access menu optimized performance and clarity.

While technically inferior to console versions, the convenience factor makes the Steam Deck my preferred platform for NBA 2K25.

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5

Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions

(See Shaun's Switch review here). Gimmick! 2 runs flawlessly on the Steam Deck, even boasting Steam Deck and Linux fixes in its latest patch. Capped at 60fps (forcing 60hz on OLED screens is recommended), it supports 16:10 for menus, though gameplay remains 16:9. The lack of graphics options isn't a significant drawback, and its smooth performance suggests imminent Steam Deck Verified status.

Arco Steam Deck Mini Review

Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG, shines on Steam Deck. Its recent update addresses previous shortcomings. Steam Deck Verified, it runs smoothly at 60fps (16:9 only). An assist mode (beta) offers combat skipping and other conveniences. The game's blend of real-time and turn-based elements, coupled with its compelling story and visuals, makes it a standout title.

Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5

Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review

Newly available on Steam, Skull and Bones offers a "Playable" Steam Deck experience. Ubisoft Connect login is a bit clunky. Setting a 30fps frame rate limit, 16:10 at 800p with FSR 2 quality upscaling provides stable performance. Lowering other settings to low (textures on high) further enhances stability. Early impressions are positive, but the game's full potential remains to be seen with continued support. It's an online-only experience.

Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA

ODDADA Steam Deck Review

ODDADA, a music-making experience, thrives on Steam Deck. Running smoothly at 90fps, it offers resolution, v-sync, and anti-aliasing options. Menu text is slightly small. The lack of controller support is the only significant drawback, though touch controls work well.

ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5

Star Trucker Steam Deck Mini Review

Star Trucker blends automobile simulation and space exploration. It runs on Proton Experimental, offering various graphics settings (including 16:10 support). A custom preset with low shadows and normal settings (excluding temporal anti-aliasing) achieves around 40fps. Controls require some adjustment.

Star Trucker Steam Deck review score: 4/5

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Mini Review

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia, a visual novel, runs perfectly on Steam Deck (720p, 16:9). Check system settings to ensure correct button configuration.

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Review Score: 4/5

Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES Steam Deck Review Impressions

Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES, a significantly enhanced version of the original, is playable on Steam Deck but lacks controller support (trackpad and touch controls are usable).

Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions

Pinball FX offers a robust PC port with extensive graphics options and HDR support on Steam Deck. Gameplay is enjoyable, and the free-to-play version allows for testing before purchasing DLC.

New Steam Deck Verified & Playable games for the week

Notable additions include Hookah Haze, OneShot: World Machine Edition, and others. Black Myth: Wukong surprisingly remains Unsupported despite playable performance.

Steam Deck Game Sales, Discounts, and Specials

The Games from Croatia sale offers discounts on titles like the Talos Principle series.

That concludes this week's Steam Deck Weekly. Share your feedback!