Forza Horizon 6 is the latest entry in the popular racing game series, and it is scheduled to launch on May 19. The game will be available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, bringing players a brand-new open-world racing experience set in Japan. And ahead of release, the developers have shared some good news for handheld gaming fans.

Playground Games has confirmed Forza Horizon 6 will be Steam Deck Verified. This means the game has officially passed Valve’s compatibility checks for the Steam Deck. System requirements for Forza Horizon 6 were released back in March, but only mentioned that you’d be able to ‘Play’ on the Deck, as well as the Xbox ROG Ally.

Steam Deck compatibility for Forza Horizon 6

Right now, Playground Games has not revealed any detailed performance numbers for the handheld version. So we still do not know what frame rates players can expect or what graphics settings will be used by default. However, the Verified badge suggests that the game should provide a smooth and playable experience without major issues.

For those who are new to the Steam Deck ecosystem, Valve uses a verification system to show how well games work on the handheld. Games marked as “Verified” are tested to make sure they run properly out of the box without requiring players to tweak settings or install extra fixes. A Verified game should offer readable text, controller support, good performance, and full compatibility with the Steam Deck’s default software.

Playground Games has also recently faced some trouble after game files for Forza Horizon 6 leaked early online. Some players began downloading the files in an attempt to access the game before launch, but Microsoft has been issuing bans to users who connected to online servers using leaked versions of the game. Someone also managed to grab some performance benchmarks using an RX 9070 XT and Ryzen 7 9800X3D combo.

What can Steam Deck owners look forward to?

As for the game itself, Forza Horizon 6 is taking players to Japan for the first time in the series. The game features more than 550 real-world cars, including several iconic JDM classics and modern performance vehicles. Players will be able to drive through Tokyo streets, mountain roads, industrial areas, and rural countryside locations spread across what Playground Games describes as the biggest city ever featured in a Horizon game.

The game also introduces customizable garages, player homes, co-op progression, multiplayer car meets, and expanded EventLab tools that let players create their own races and challenges almost anywhere in the world. There are also new story elements focused on Japanese car culture, Touge racing, and becoming a Horizon Festival legend.

About the Author

Abdul Haddi

Abdul is a tech writer and Editor for PC Guide, specializing in all things tech, gaming, and hardware.