The topic concerns a specific role-playing game, Trails in the Sky SC (Second Chapter), and its compatibility with a portable gaming device, the Steam Deck. This refers to the ability to play the game seamlessly on that particular hardware. For example, a user might investigate optimal settings or potential performance issues when running Trails in the Sky SC on the Steam Deck.
The significance lies in the growing popularity of handheld PC gaming and the desire for convenient access to classic and modern games. Successful operation on the Steam Deck offers portability and expands the game’s audience. Previously, players might have been restricted to desktop PCs; now, the game can be experienced on the go. Furthermore, confirming compatibility alleviates concerns about potential technical difficulties, leading to a more satisfying user experience.
The following sections will delve into the practical aspects of playing the game on the target device, including performance considerations, necessary configurations, and overall user feedback related to this specific gaming experience.
1. Compatibility Verification
The process of compatibility verification is crucial when evaluating the usability of Trails in the Sky SC on the Steam Deck. This process systematically assesses whether the game functions correctly on the handheld device, ensuring a positive user experience. Without proper verification, users risk encountering game-breaking bugs, performance issues, or complete inability to launch the title.
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Functional Testing
Functional testing encompasses the core gameplay elements. This includes verifying that the game launches, that the main menu is accessible, and that critical gameplay sequences progress as intended. For example, a scenario would involve starting a new game and ensuring that character movement, dialogue, and combat mechanics operate without errors. Failure in this area would indicate fundamental incompatibility, rendering the game unplayable.
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Hardware Driver Support
This facet confirms that the Steam Deck’s hardware drivers adequately support the game’s graphical and audio requirements. Trails in the Sky SC, while not a graphically demanding title, still relies on DirectX or OpenGL compatibility. If the necessary drivers are missing or outdated, visual artifacts, crashes, or audio distortions may occur. Verification involves ensuring the Steam Deck’s drivers are up-to-date and that the game’s rendering engine interfaces correctly with the hardware.
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Control Mapping and Input Response
An essential aspect of usability on the Steam Deck is proper control mapping. This refers to ensuring that the device’s buttons, trackpads, and joysticks correctly translate to the game’s intended control scheme. For example, verifying that the A button performs the “confirm” action and the directional pad navigates menus accurately is crucial. Poor control mapping results in frustrating gameplay and reduced user enjoyment.
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Proton Layer Integration
The Steam Deck utilizes Proton, a compatibility layer that enables Windows-based games to run on its Linux-based operating system. Verifying Proton integration involves testing whether Trails in the Sky SC functions correctly through this layer. This often involves selecting a specific Proton version through the Steam client and assessing performance and stability. Issues within the Proton layer can manifest as crashes, graphical glitches, or performance degradation, requiring users to experiment with different Proton versions or report bugs to the Proton community.
These facets of compatibility verification collectively determine the feasibility of enjoying Trails in the Sky SC on the Steam Deck. Thorough testing across these areas ensures that users can engage with the game without encountering significant technical hurdles. Furthermore, community-driven compatibility reports often provide valuable insights into the game’s performance and stability, aiding potential players in their decision-making process.
2. Performance Benchmarks
Performance benchmarks, in the context of Trails in the Sky SC on the Steam Deck, are systematic measurements of the game’s execution speed and resource utilization on the device. These measurements provide quantitative data regarding frame rates, CPU load, GPU utilization, and memory consumption. This data is vital for assessing the game’s playability and for optimizing settings to achieve a balance between visual fidelity and smooth performance. For instance, observing a consistent frame rate of 60 frames per second (FPS) indicates a highly playable experience, whereas frequent drops below 30 FPS may signal the need for lower graphics settings. Performance data directly affects user satisfaction; a game that performs poorly on the Steam Deck, despite being playable on a desktop PC, can lead to frustration and a negative perception of the device or the game itself.
The practical application of performance benchmarks extends to several areas. Firstly, they enable informed decision-making by potential players. If benchmark results indicate that Trails in the Sky SC consistently achieves acceptable frame rates on the Steam Deck with specific settings, users are more likely to purchase and play the game on that platform. Secondly, benchmarks assist in the identification of performance bottlenecks. Elevated CPU or GPU utilization, coupled with low frame rates, can point to specific hardware limitations. Developers and the community can then focus on optimizing game settings or suggesting hardware modifications to improve performance. Finally, comparing performance across different Proton versions or custom configurations can reveal which setup yields the most optimal gaming experience. For example, one Proton version might offer superior CPU utilization, leading to higher frame rates compared to another version on the same hardware.
In summary, performance benchmarks are a critical component in evaluating the viability of Trails in the Sky SC on the Steam Deck. They provide objective data that informs purchasing decisions, aids in troubleshooting performance issues, and facilitates optimization efforts. The challenge lies in ensuring the accuracy and consistency of the benchmark results, requiring standardized testing methodologies and transparent reporting. This understanding is essential for both individual users seeking a smooth gaming experience and developers aiming to optimize their games for handheld platforms.
3. Control Configuration
The configuration of controls is a pivotal aspect influencing the playability of Trails in the Sky SC on the Steam Deck. Seamless integration of the game’s mechanics with the device’s input methods is paramount to user experience. Inadequate or poorly implemented control schemes can hinder gameplay, diminishing the enjoyment derived from the title.
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Button Mapping and Customization
Button mapping involves assigning specific in-game actions to the Steam Deck’s physical buttons, touchpads, and screen. Trails in the Sky SC, originally designed for PC with keyboard and mouse inputs, requires careful translation to the Steam Deck’s control scheme. Customization options are essential, enabling players to tailor the controls to their individual preferences. For instance, remapping frequently used commands to easily accessible buttons can enhance responsiveness during combat sequences. Lack of customizable controls can lead to awkward hand positions and reduced reaction times, negatively affecting gameplay.
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Touchpad Integration
The Steam Deck’s touchpads present an opportunity for innovative control schemes, particularly for functions that traditionally rely on mouse input. In Trails in the Sky SC, actions such as navigating menus or issuing commands can be mapped to the touchpads, providing a tactile alternative to traditional button presses. Effective integration necessitates precise tracking and adjustable sensitivity settings. Inadequate touchpad implementation can result in imprecise cursor control and unintended actions, disrupting the flow of gameplay.
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Gyroscope Aiming
Gyroscope aiming, utilizing the Steam Deck’s built-in gyroscope, offers an additional layer of precision for certain actions. While Trails in the Sky SC may not inherently support aiming mechanics, the gyroscope could be employed for camera control or cursor manipulation, enhancing the overall responsiveness. Proper calibration and sensitivity adjustments are crucial for preventing unintended movements and ensuring accurate input. Poorly calibrated gyroscope controls can lead to erratic camera behavior and diminished accuracy, detracting from the gaming experience.
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Steam Input Configuration
Steam Input provides a comprehensive platform for remapping and customizing controls across various games, including Trails in the Sky SC. Leveraging Steam Input allows users to create and share custom control profiles, catering to specific playstyles or addressing limitations in the game’s default control scheme. This system enables advanced features such as action layers, mode shifts, and radial menus, expanding the possibilities for control customization. Ineffective utilization of Steam Input can leave users with limited control options and a suboptimal gaming experience.
These elements of control configuration collectively dictate the accessibility and enjoyment of Trails in the Sky SC on the Steam Deck. Thoughtful mapping, intuitive integration of the device’s input methods, and robust customization options are vital for creating a seamless and engaging gaming experience. By optimizing the control scheme, players can fully immerse themselves in the game’s world and mechanics, maximizing their enjoyment of the title on this portable platform.
4. Resolution scaling
Resolution scaling, in the context of Trails in the Sky SC running on the Steam Deck, refers to the technique of adjusting the rendering resolution of the game relative to the native resolution of the device’s screen. The Steam Deck possesses a native resolution of 1280×800 pixels. Resolution scaling involves rendering the game at a lower or higher resolution than this, and then scaling the image up or down to fit the screen. Rendering at a lower resolution improves performance, reducing the load on the Steam Deck’s GPU, leading to higher frame rates and longer battery life. Conversely, rendering at a higher resolution can improve visual clarity but at the cost of performance. For instance, if the game is rendered internally at 960×600 and then scaled to fit the 1280×800 screen, the image will appear softer but the game will run more smoothly. This trade-off necessitates careful consideration to achieve an optimal balance between visual quality and performance.
Several factors influence the effectiveness of resolution scaling. The scaling algorithm employed by the Steam Deck’s operating system or the game itself plays a significant role. Bilinear or bicubic scaling methods, while computationally inexpensive, can introduce blurriness, especially at lower rendering resolutions. More advanced algorithms, such as AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) or Integer Scaling, can mitigate these artifacts to some extent. FSR, in particular, attempts to reconstruct a higher-resolution image from a lower-resolution source, offering improved visual quality compared to traditional scaling methods, but at a slightly increased computational cost. Integer scaling, where the rendering resolution is scaled by a whole number, can produce sharper images, but may not be suitable for all aspect ratios or display resolutions. User preference also plays a role; some users prioritize a higher frame rate over visual fidelity, while others prefer a sharper image even if it means sacrificing some performance. Therefore, the ideal resolution scaling setting depends on individual priorities and the specific characteristics of the game and the Steam Deck’s hardware.
In conclusion, resolution scaling is a crucial tool for optimizing the experience of playing Trails in the Sky SC on the Steam Deck. The process allows for a compromise between visual quality and performance, enabling users to tailor the game to their preferences and the capabilities of the device. However, challenges remain in achieving consistent image quality across different scaling algorithms and rendering resolutions. Moreover, the effectiveness of resolution scaling depends on both the game’s inherent visual style and the user’s sensitivity to visual artifacts. Understanding these factors is essential for maximizing enjoyment of Trails in the Sky SC on the Steam Deck.
5. Battery consumption
The power demands of Trails in the Sky SC directly affect battery life on the Steam Deck. A game’s resource intensitymeasured by CPU and GPU usagedictates the rate at which the device consumes power. Higher graphical settings, increased frame rates, and constant data access translate to greater energy expenditure, shortening the time available for gameplay before a recharge is necessary. For example, running the game at maximum settings with uncapped frame rates will deplete the battery considerably faster compared to utilizing lower settings and a capped frame rate.
Several factors related to the Steam Deck influence this relationship. The device’s battery capacity, screen brightness, and background processes affect overall power consumption. Further, the Proton compatibility layer, used to run Windows games on the Steam Deck’s Linux-based system, introduces overhead that can impact battery performance. As a result, Trails in the Sky SC may exhibit different battery drain characteristics compared to native Linux games. User adjustments, such as lowering resolution or limiting the frame rate to 30 FPS, can mitigate battery drain and extend playtime, allowing for longer gaming sessions while on the move.
Efficient battery management is paramount to the Steam Deck’s functionality as a portable gaming device. Understanding the power demands of Trails in the Sky SC and implementing appropriate optimizations allows players to maximize their gaming experience without being tethered to a power outlet. Future firmware updates or game patches could further refine power usage, enhancing the longevity and practicality of gaming on the Steam Deck.
6. Graphics settings
Graphics settings significantly influence the visual fidelity and performance of Trails in the Sky SC on the Steam Deck. The game’s configuration options for resolution, texture quality, anti-aliasing, and shadow detail directly impact the rendering workload imposed on the device’s GPU. Adjusting these settings allows users to customize the visual experience to align with their preferences and the Steam Deck’s hardware capabilities. For example, a player might reduce texture quality and disable anti-aliasing to achieve a stable 60 FPS, prioritizing smooth gameplay over visual sharpness. Conversely, a player might increase resolution and enable anti-aliasing to maximize visual clarity, accepting a lower, but still playable, frame rate.
The interplay between graphics settings and performance is particularly important on the Steam Deck due to its limited processing power and battery capacity. Higher graphics settings increase power consumption, shortening battery life and potentially leading to thermal throttling, which reduces performance over time. Therefore, optimal graphics settings are those that provide a balance between visual quality and performance efficiency. User communities and online guides often provide recommendations for specific settings that achieve this balance for Trails in the Sky SC on the Steam Deck. These recommendations consider factors such as the game’s inherent visual style, the user’s tolerance for frame rate fluctuations, and the desired battery life.
In summary, tailoring graphics settings is essential for maximizing the enjoyment of Trails in the Sky SC on the Steam Deck. By carefully adjusting parameters such as resolution, texture quality, and anti-aliasing, users can optimize the game’s performance and visual fidelity to suit their individual preferences and the device’s limitations. This process enhances the overall gaming experience by ensuring smooth gameplay, extending battery life, and preventing thermal throttling. Future advancements in game optimization and Steam Deck hardware may further refine the relationship between graphics settings and performance, allowing for even greater customization and control.
7. Community Feedback
Community feedback plays a pivotal role in shaping the user experience of Trails in the Sky SC on the Steam Deck. It serves as a vital source of information, problem-solving, and optimization guidance for both new and experienced players.
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Compatibility Reporting
Compatibility reports, generated by users actively playing Trails in the Sky SC on the Steam Deck, provide critical insights into the game’s functionality. These reports document whether the game launches successfully, exhibits any graphical glitches, or experiences performance issues. For instance, a community member might report that the game runs flawlessly with Proton version X.X, while another might note specific graphical anomalies when using Proton version Y.Y. This collective data allows potential players to make informed decisions regarding the game’s playability on the device and helps identify optimal configuration settings.
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Troubleshooting and Workarounds
Community forums and online discussions often serve as repositories of troubleshooting advice and workarounds for common problems encountered when playing Trails in the Sky SC on the Steam Deck. Users share solutions to issues such as controller configuration difficulties, audio distortions, or save game corruption. For example, a user might post a detailed guide on how to remap controller buttons using Steam Input to achieve a more comfortable control scheme. These community-driven solutions can significantly enhance the user experience by addressing technical challenges that might otherwise impede gameplay.
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Performance Optimization Tips
Community members frequently share tips and strategies for optimizing the game’s performance on the Steam Deck. These recommendations typically involve adjusting in-game graphics settings, experimenting with different Proton versions, or modifying system-level configurations. For instance, a user might discover that reducing the game’s resolution to 960×600 significantly improves frame rates without noticeably impacting visual quality. By disseminating these performance optimization techniques, the community empowers players to fine-tune the game to their preferences and the capabilities of their Steam Deck.
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Modding and Enhancement
The community also contributes to the experience through modding and enhancement efforts. This includes creating and sharing custom textures, graphical enhancements, or gameplay tweaks that improve the game’s visual presentation or add new features. A user might develop a high-resolution texture pack to enhance the game’s visuals on the Steam Deck’s screen, or create a mod that rebalances gameplay mechanics. These community-created modifications can extend the game’s lifespan and provide players with unique and personalized gaming experiences.
In conclusion, community feedback is an indispensable resource for players of Trails in the Sky SC on the Steam Deck. It provides crucial information on compatibility, troubleshooting, performance optimization, and modding, collectively shaping the user experience and fostering a sense of collaboration and shared knowledge. This community-driven ecosystem ensures that players can overcome technical challenges, optimize performance, and enhance their enjoyment of the game on this portable platform.
8. Proton compatibility
The functionality of Trails in the Sky SC on the Steam Deck is intrinsically linked to Proton compatibility. Proton, a compatibility layer developed by Valve, enables Windows-based games to run on the Steam Deck’s Linux-based operating system. Without effective Proton compatibility, the game is rendered unplayable on the device, as it lacks a native Linux port. The game’s reliance on DirectX and other Windows-specific libraries necessitates successful translation via Proton. For example, a failure in Proton to properly interpret DirectX calls would result in graphical glitches, crashes, or the game’s inability to launch. This dependence makes Proton compatibility a fundamental prerequisite for accessing Trails in the Sky SC on the Steam Deck, directly influencing the user’s ability to experience the game on that hardware.
The specific Proton version employed has a demonstrable impact on performance and stability. User reports frequently cite varying levels of success with different Proton versions, ranging from the official Proton releases to community-maintained forks such as Proton GE. For instance, one Proton version may resolve graphical issues present in another, while simultaneously introducing performance regressions. The process of identifying the optimal Proton version often involves empirical testing and community-driven data collection. Tools like ProtonDB aggregate user feedback to provide a consolidated resource on game compatibility across different Proton versions. Selecting a well-vetted Proton version can dramatically improve frame rates, reduce crashes, and enhance overall stability, making Proton compatibility a dynamically managed aspect of the Trails in the Sky SC on the Steam Deck experience.
In summary, Proton compatibility is not merely an ancillary factor, but a cornerstone of the Trails in the Sky SC Steam Deck experience. Challenges persist in achieving perfect compatibility across all games, necessitating ongoing development and community support. However, the demonstrated ability of Proton to bridge the gap between Windows-based games and the Steam Deck’s operating system underscores its importance in expanding the library of playable titles and enabling convenient access to games like Trails in the Sky SC on this portable platform. This reliance connects directly to the broader goal of seamless game access and portability that defines the Steam Deck’s appeal.
9. Storage requirements
Adequate storage space is a fundamental prerequisite for successfully installing and playing Trails in the Sky SC on the Steam Deck. Insufficient storage prevents installation, while limited free space can impact performance and hinder the ability to install updates or additional content.
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Base Game Installation Size
The initial installation size of Trails in the Sky SC represents the core storage requirement. This encompasses the game’s executable files, data assets (textures, audio, models), and necessary runtime libraries. The exact figure may vary slightly depending on the distribution platform (Steam, GOG) and any included bonus content. Without sufficient free space to accommodate this base installation, the game cannot be installed on the Steam Deck. For example, if the game requires 8GB of storage and the Steam Deck only has 7GB free, the installation process will fail.
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Save Game Data
While smaller than the base game, save game data accumulates over time and contributes to overall storage usage. Trails in the Sky SC, being a story-driven RPG, generates save files that track player progress, character stats, and inventory. Over the course of a long playthrough, these save files can consume a notable amount of storage space, especially if multiple save slots are used. Although less critical than the initial installation, neglecting save data can eventually lead to storage limitations. An example would be if a player makes dozens of save files throughout their playthrough which take up a significant amount of space.
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Operating System Overhead
The Steam Deck’s operating system (SteamOS) also requires a certain amount of storage space for its own files, updates, and temporary data. This overhead reduces the available storage for games and other applications. Even if the Steam Deck appears to have sufficient space for Trails in the Sky SC, the operating system’s requirements must be factored in. For example, if the Steam Deck is close to full, the operating system may have trouble installing system updates and will impact the ability to download the game.
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Potential Future Updates and DLC
Future game updates, patches, or downloadable content (DLC) for Trails in the Sky SC may necessitate additional storage space. While no DLC is currently available, the possibility of future updates should be considered. These updates can introduce new features, bug fixes, or graphical enhancements, increasing the game’s overall size. Planning for potential future storage requirements ensures that the game can continue to be updated and played without encountering storage-related issues. A game update with high-resolution textures could significantly increase the required storage.
Understanding these storage facets is crucial for ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted gaming experience with Trails in the Sky SC on the Steam Deck. Careful management of storage space, including regular removal of unnecessary files and consideration of future update requirements, prevents potential issues and allows players to fully enjoy the game on this portable platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions address common inquiries regarding the compatibility, performance, and configuration of Trails in the Sky SC on the Steam Deck.
Question 1: Is Trails in the Sky SC officially supported on the Steam Deck?
While not explicitly designated as “Steam Deck Verified,” the game is generally considered playable. Compatibility is largely dependent on the Proton compatibility layer. User experiences can vary, necessitating individual verification.
Question 2: What is the recommended Proton version for optimal performance?
There is no universally optimal version. Community consensus suggests experimenting with various Proton versions, including official releases and community-maintained forks like Proton GE. Performance can be highly dependent on the specific hardware configuration and game settings.
Question 3: What are the ideal graphics settings for the Steam Deck?
Ideal graphics settings represent a compromise between visual fidelity and performance. Reducing resolution, disabling anti-aliasing, and lowering texture quality are common strategies for improving frame rates and extending battery life. User experimentation is advised.
Question 4: How is battery life affected when playing Trails in the Sky SC?
Battery life varies based on graphics settings, Proton version, and screen brightness. Lowering graphics settings and capping frame rates can significantly extend playtime. External battery packs are a viable option for extended gaming sessions.
Question 5: Are there any known compatibility issues?
Potential issues include graphical glitches, controller input problems, and occasional crashes. Community forums often provide workarounds and troubleshooting advice. Regularly updating Proton and SteamOS can mitigate these issues.
Question 6: Is controller remapping necessary?
Controller remapping may be desirable for some players, particularly those accustomed to specific control schemes. Steam Input provides extensive customization options for tailoring the controller layout to individual preferences.
In summary, the successful execution of Trails in the Sky SC on the Steam Deck requires a degree of user customization and experimentation. Community resources offer valuable insights and solutions to common challenges.
The subsequent section will discuss advanced troubleshooting techniques for resolving persistent issues.
Tips for Trails in the Sky SC on Steam Deck
This section presents practical tips for optimizing the gaming experience, addressing common challenges, and maximizing performance for Trails in the Sky SC on the Steam Deck.
Tip 1: Prioritize Proton GE. Community reports suggest that the Glorious Eggroll (GE) custom Proton builds often provide superior compatibility and performance compared to the default Proton versions. Download and select Proton GE via the ProtonUp-Qt application. This action may resolve graphical glitches or improve frame rates.
Tip 2: Adjust TDP. The Steam Deck’s Thermal Design Power (TDP) can be manually adjusted to balance performance and battery life. Experiment with lower TDP settings (e.g., 8-10W) to extend battery life while maintaining acceptable frame rates, as Trails in the Sky SC is not particularly demanding.
Tip 3: Limit Frame Rate. Capping the frame rate to 30 or 40 FPS through the Steam Deck’s performance overlay can reduce power consumption and improve stability. This step is especially effective in reducing stuttering and preventing overheating during extended gameplay sessions.
Tip 4: Manually Configure Controls via Steam Input. While the game is playable with default controls, customize the Steam Input configuration to suit individual preferences. Remapping frequently used actions to easily accessible buttons can enhance responsiveness, as well as adding action layers for more complex keybinds.
Tip 5: Lower Graphics Settings to Improve Performance. Reduce the game’s resolution and decrease settings like Anti-Aliasing and Shadows to improve performance on the Steam Deck. Trails in the Sky SC is not graphically demanding, so lowered graphics settings should provide little to no significant loss of image quality.
Tip 6: Disable Background Processes to Conserve System Resources. It is advisable to disable unnecessary background processes, such as extra applications, to allow the Steam Deck to devote more resources to Trails in the Sky SC.
Implementing these tips can significantly improve the playability and enjoyment of Trails in the Sky SC on the Steam Deck. Experimentation is encouraged to find the optimal configuration for individual preferences and hardware configurations.
The following section concludes this exploration, summarizing key takeaways and offering final recommendations.
Conclusion
The preceding analysis has thoroughly examined the Trails in the Sky SC Steam Deck gaming experience. Aspects such as compatibility, performance benchmarks, control configuration, resolution scaling, battery consumption, and the role of community feedback were evaluated. Proton compatibility and storage requirements were also addressed. The goal was to provide comprehensive insights into running the game on the handheld platform.
The information presented should assist players in optimizing their setup for enjoyable Trails in the Sky SC Steam Deck gameplay. Further exploration and community participation will likely yield more efficient methods. Continued refinement, through ongoing user experimentation and potential software improvements, remains essential for maximizing the game’s accessibility and overall user satisfaction on the Steam Deck.
