After what can only be described as a lackluster PC launch for The Last of Us Part I on Steam a couple of years ago, many people may be skeptical about the performance of upcoming Part II, which has already been verified on Steam Deck. Evidently, it seems as if Naughty Dog and Nixxes Software are putting more focus on optimization this time around.

Part II Remastered launches on PC today, April 3rd, and an interview with Game Informer gives us some developer insights into the PC port. Representatives from both Naughty Dog and Nixxes were in attendance, and we’re particularly happy to find out that Steam Deck support is being taken seriously.

Steam Deck support is taken “very, very seriously” for The Last of Us Part 2

When asked about the team’s approach to Steam Deck support, Nixxes’ Frauenfelder had this to say:

“Well, we're verified, so we’re super happy with that. And also the scalability, which was one of the things, of course, that was a high priority for us making sure that this game is super scalable on different hardware, AKA the Steam Deck. Steam Deck is such a niche market, but it’s so important. I mean, we’re releasing a game on Steam, so yeah, of course, we have that whole community of Steam Deck players. And those are just like the hardcore PC players with the faster systems. They’re really dedicated.”

Coen Frauenfelder, PC Project Director, Nixxes Software

Frauenfelder goes on to say that the team has added “specific Steam Deck presets” to make sure “the majority of them” run the game at a stable 30 FPS without any further input from the player. He says that they “take the Steam Deck very, very seriously,” which paints a positive image for any Deck owners looking to enjoy the latest installment on PC.

You may have heard of Nixxes Software before – the company is responsible for many console game ports to PC, the most recent of which being Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. We’re a little bit apprehensive given the fact that Spider-Man 2 had its Steam compatibility rating downgraded due to poor performance, but we hope The Last of Us Part II fares better.

About the Author

Charlie Noon

Charlie is the Affiliate manager for PC Guide. He has a vast understanding of most PC hardware and consumer essentials, using his knowledge to provide the best products and the biggest deals.