Subnautica 2 and Forza Horizon 6 Get Steam Deck Verified Before Launch

Valve’s Steam Deck just got two more big upcoming games added to its verified list: Subnautica 2 and Forza Horizon 6.

According to TechPowerUp, both titles have now received official Steam Deck Verified status ahead of major launch-related milestones. For Subnautica 2, this comes right before its May 14 Early Access release. For Forza Horizon 6, the timing lines up with the game’s review embargo window.

That is good news for handheld players, especially if you are the type who wants your PC games playable on the couch, in bed, or during a long balik kampung trip. But don’t celebrate too hard yet, bro — verified does not automatically mean max settings, smooth 60 FPS, and zero compromises.

What Steam Deck Verified actually means

When Valve marks a game as Steam Deck Verified, it means the game has passed checks across several practical areas. The game should work properly with the Steam Deck’s built-in controls, its interface should be readable on the smaller display, and it should run through SteamOS using Proton if it is a Windows game.

In short: Valve is saying the game is playable without players needing to do major tinkering.

That matters because PC handheld gaming is getting more relevant in Malaysia and SEA. Devices like the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and other portable Windows or SteamOS-style machines are no longer niche toys for hardcore importers only. Plenty of local players are using handhelds as a second gaming device, especially when a full desktop setup is too expensive, too hot, or just not convenient in a small room setup.

The performance question is still open

The interesting part is that neither game’s handheld performance is fully clear yet.

For Subnautica 2, the listed minimum PC requirements include an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 or AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT, paired with an AMD Ryzen 5 2600 or Intel Core i5-8400. TechPowerUp notes that those minimum specs target 1080p, low settings, 30 FPS.

That makes the Steam Deck situation a bit spicy. The Deck’s hardware is efficient, but it is still a compact handheld, not a full gaming desktop. If Subnautica 2 is heavy even at low settings on entry-level desktop GPUs, Deck players may need help from upscaling tech like FSR to keep frame rates comfortable.

For Forza Horizon 6, Playground Games had already indicated support for Steam Deck and ASUS ROG handhelds when revealing minimum hardware requirements. Still, the official specs apparently do not spell out what settings, resolution, or frame rate players should expect on handheld machines.

So yes, verified is a strong sign. But actual gameplay tests will matter more.

Why SEA players should care

For Malaysian gamers, this is another sign that handheld PC gaming is becoming a serious platform, not just a side feature. Many players here already juggle between PC, console, mobile, and cloud saves. A verified Steam Deck version means less friction if you want to continue exploring alien oceans in Subnautica 2 or cruising through Forza Horizon 6 without sitting at a desk.

It also matters for future hardware. TechPowerUp points out that support for major games on Valve’s handheld is a positive signal for the wider SteamOS ecosystem, including Valve’s upcoming Steam Machine plans. If more big studios optimise early for Deck-style hardware, SEA players could eventually get more living-room PC gaming options without needing a giant tower under the TV.

For now, the takeaway is simple: Subnautica 2 and Forza Horizon 6 should be ready to run on Steam Deck at launch, but players should wait for real benchmarks before expecting perfect performance.

Verified is a green light. Performance charts will tell us how bright that light actually is.

Source: TechPowerUp