Whether you already own a Steam Deck or are hoping to find a new gaming handheld under the Christmas tree this year, Steam’s virtually endless library of handheld-compatible games is waiting in the wings. 2025 has been a big year for many independent developers and for handheld gaming as a whole. With Steam’s convenient Steam Deck compatibility checks, though, players’ sessions get even easier. Before you shell out for something special on your wishlist, ensure your handheld gaming console can run downloads before clicking “Add to Cart.” Personally, I can’t go anywhere without my Lenovo Legion Go, so I know firsthand which indie up-and-comers will run like a top on your new system. Steam Deck, Xbox ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, MSI Claw, the list goes on! These lesser-known downloads are affordable, entertaining, and promise seamless gameplay experiences on your go-to toy. Check out my favorite Steam Deck-verified games to add to your Steam wishlist this Christmas:
Megabonk
Genre: Action; Roguelike
Price: $9.99 $7.99 (’til Dec. 17)
Steam Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive (44,000+)
Megabonk has taken the roguelike genre to new heights this year, and it’s earned every bit of the player praise it’s received. Someone please tell my husband to put it down. Like…please. If you wanna finally see what the fuss is about, pick up Megabonk while it’s on sale.
Ball x Pit
Genre: Action; Roguelike
Price: $14.99
Steam Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive (9,800+)
Old-school brick-breaker games WISH they could stand in the shoes of indie darling Ball x Pit. Build resilient bases, battle baddies, and send bouncy balls flying. Fan of Vampire Survivors? You’ll looooooove Ball x Pit!
PowerWash Simulator 2
Genre: Relaxing; Job Simulation
Price: $24.99
Steam Reviews: Very Positive (5,200+)
Full transparency: I enjoy zoning out and watching those ultra-satisfying rug-cleaning videos, and if you do, too, you’re a prime candidate for a job at Muckingham’s own PowerWash Services. In the PowerWash Simulator sequel, pick up all-new nozzles, cozy up your new home base, and be sure to pet the office cats before heading to your first gig! Check out PowerWash Simulator 2 today.
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Demonschool
Genre: JRPG; Action
Price: $24.99
Steam Reviews: Very Positive (630)
Demonschool‘s only been available on Steam for a few weeks now, and already, the isometric RPG is everywhere. Gorgeous gameplay, intense turn-based battles, JRPG elements, and captivating narrative? SOLD. Add Demonschool to your repertoire and you’ll be ahead of the curve; we’re sure to see and hear more about this hit soon.
Is This Seat Taken?
Genre: Puzzle; Casual
Price: $9.99
Steam Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive (3,200+)
Remember those “Johnny had six apples” questions from grade school math quizzes? If those scratched any part of your brain, you’re gonna flip over Is This Seat Taken?, the soothing shape-sorting puzzle game from aptly-named publisher Wholesome Games Presents. In this cute organizational game developed by Poti Poti Studio, players arrange various shapes according to their individual preferences. As a big-time puzzle lover, Is This Seat Taken? is one of the year’s best indie games — Steam Deck or not.
Rhythm Doctor
Genre: Rhythm; Music
Price: $19.99 $14.99 (’til Dec. 15)
Steam Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive (6,400+)
20 CCs of absolute bangers—STAT! Assume the role of a doctor desperate to heal the hearts of his patients. The only way to save ’em? Defibrillate rhythmically! Enjoy the soundtrack, satisfying gameplay, and vibrant pixel art style in Rhythm Doctor today.
Lumines Arise
Genre: Rhythm; Puzzle
Price: $39.99
Steam Reviews: Very Positive (600+)
Feel like getting lost in some seriously addicting Tetris-adjacent gameplay? Lumines Arise, a follow-up to the beat-heavy puzzle’s predecessor, is one of the most intense, eye-popping rhythm games in recent memory. Stunning, woozy visuals, entrancing beats and bass, a dreamy color palette — intoxicating! Check out Lumines Arise now.
Dispatch
Genre: Story Rich; Choices Matter
Price: $29.99
Steam Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive (80,000+)
In Dispatch, become Robert Robertson — or the powerful Mecha Man — as he assumes a new behind-the-scenes role in the superhero world. Enjoy awesome voice acting (including the lead, played by Breaking Bad‘s Aaron Paul), enthralling storytelling, marvelous mechanics, and more in this choose-your-own-adventure hit from AdHoc Studios. Check out our review for Dispatch and add this super hit to your cart today!
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