Best Steam Deck and handheld games for the commute

A commute is a strange gaming window. You might get twenty minutes, you might get five, you might lose signal in a tunnel, and you definitely don’t want to be mid-boss when your stop comes up. The best handheld games for it are ones you can put to sleep and pick up instantly, that work offline and that don’t need headphones to make sense.

Everything below works on Steam Deck (we’ve noted Valve’s Deck Verified status where we checked it), and most are also on Switch or Switch 2. Release dates are worldwide.

Quick runs, big rewards

Balatro

The poker-themed deckbuilder that ate everyone’s spare time. A run takes a while, but each hand is a few seconds of thinking, so it’s perfect for stop-start journeys. Deck Verified, and also on Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and mobile.

Vampire Survivors

Move, survive, watch the screen fill with chaos. Controls are about as simple as games get, which makes it ideal one-handed on a crowded train. Deck Verified, and also on Switch and mobile.

Hades II

Supergiant’s sequel reached 1.0 on 25 September 2025 on PC, Switch and Switch 2. Each escape attempt is a self-contained run of fast combat, and the story moves forward a little every time you die. Verified on Steam Deck.

For longer journeys

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Out since 4 September 2025 on PC, Switch, Switch 2, PlayStation and Xbox. It’s a big, demanding exploration game, so it’s better for a 40-minute train than a five-minute bus – but benches make natural stopping points. Deck Verified, with native SteamOS support.

Stardew Valley

One in-game day is roughly a commute’s length, which is exactly why so many people play it on the way to work. On PC, Switch, Switch 2, PlayStation, Xbox and mobile.

Final Fantasy Resonance – from 22 October

The first HD-2D Final Fantasy launches on 22 October on Switch 2, Switch, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and on Steam on 23 October. Turn-based battles mean you can pause and think – a natural fit for handheld play.

Commute tips

• Download before you go. Some games need a connection on first launch – boot it once at home.
• Use sleep mode. Steam Deck and Switch both resume where you left off; a quick press of the power button beats hunting for a save point.
• Save battery. Lowering the screen brightness and capping the frame rate in the Deck’s quick menu can make a big difference on a long journey.
• Try demos first. Steam Next Fest runs from 19 to 26 October with free demos – an easy way to fill your Deck before committing.

Kit that helps

A case, a screen protector and a small power bank make handheld commuting much less stressful. If you play on Switch 2, What2Buy (a UK buying-guide site, prices in pounds – readers elsewhere should check local retailers) has a round-up of Switch 2 accessories under £20, and its tech gifts under £50 guide is a handy starting point for small travel extras. If you’d rather play at home, our cosy gaming corner guide is the other half of the plan.