Steam Deck Gets Better PS3 Emulation and New Games That Finally Run Smoothly

Steam Deck delivers improved PS3 emulation with RCPS3 updates while modern games achieve smoother performance and better optimization.

Hardware by Tanvir Kabbo on Mar 18, 2026

The Steam Deck continues to evolve, unlocking new possibilities for handheld gaming while expanding its compatibility and performance across different generations of games.

PS3 Emulation on Steam Deck Is Getting Better

We're starting with something genuinely exciting: your Steam Deck is about to become a really good PS3. You can already emulate PS3 games fairly well using RCPS3, though performance is very game-dependent. Some titles run better than others, but overall, the experience has been improving steadily.

Steam Deck, Gets Better PS3 Emulation, New Games That Finally Run Smoothly, NoobFeed

We've always had a soft spot for the PS3 era. A lot of people chose the Xbox360, but some of us persevered with the PlayStation 3 and played classics like Uncharted, which is still one of our favorite franchises, as well as Infamous 1 and 2, the Resistance trilogy, and the Killzone trilogy. That generation was great, and it was frustrating when the PS4 came out and couldn't play PS3 games. Many of us held onto the PS3 just to keep playing those titles.

Over time, fewer PS3 games were released, and even with newer consoles, that generation never fully carried forward. While some titles are being remastered, many remain stuck on the PS3. It feels like a squandered chance, especially given that time gave us some of the best first-party experiences.

That's why RCPS3 is so vital. It keeps that generation alive, and the developers are now paying close attention to people who use Steam Deck. They've indicated that they will focus on upgrades that work best on portable devices, with the Steam Deck in mind because it has a huge and loyal user base.

We could soon see features like automatic performance presets based on hardware and game detection, improved controller mapping similar to other emulators, and even built-in toggles for multiplayer mods. If you're using RCPS3 on Steam Deck, your feedback could directly shape these improvements.

There's also an interesting historical connection here. Early PS3 models allowed Linux installation, effectively turning the console into a computer, a feature that was later removed. In a way, seeing PS3 emulation thrive on a Linux-based handheld like the Steam Deck feels like things coming full circle.

New Steam Deck Games Finally Running Well

If older games aren't your focus, this week brings something equally exciting: brand new games that actually run well on the Steam Deck. That hasn't always been the case, especially with modern releases pushing hardware limits.

The first standout is Monster Hunter Stories 3. This entry shifts toward a more mature tone as the series evolves with its audience. Even if you skipped the earlier games, this one feels like a strong starting point. Thanks to Switch2's optimization, it runs impressively well on the Steam Deck as well.

We can run it at high settings with FSR 3 in balanced mode, locked to 30 fps. Normally, FSR can struggle with fine details. Still, the cel-shaded art style here works in its favor, making the visual compromises far less noticeable. Compared to Switch2, where settings hover between medium and low, the Steam Deck actually delivers a slight graphical advantage.

For those who feel disconnected from traditional monster-collecting games, this could be a refreshing alternative. The pacing, combat, and tone offer something more engaging without excessive hand-holding.

The second game worth mentioning is Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly remake. Despite being based on an older title, it's surprisingly demanding. However, switching to the performance preset can achieve a mostly stable 30 fps experience. It's not perfect, but it's playable from start to finish.

Even if this type of horror isn't for everyone, it's encouraging to see more modern releases becoming Steam Deck compatible without requiring heavy compromises.

Optimization Trends Are Finally Improving

We're noticing a shift in how games are being developed and optimized. Hardware limitations and rising costs are pushing developers to focus more on efficiency rather than relying on future upgrades to fix performance issues.

This benefits Steam Deck users directly. When developers optimize for mid-range systems like PlayStation 5 or Switch 2, those improvements often carry over to the Steam Deck. The relationship between these platforms is becoming increasingly symbiotic.

A great example is Kronos: The New Dawn, which received a Steam Deck preset update alongside its Switch 2 release. Instead of competing, these platforms are indirectly helping each other improve performance and accessibility.

Steam Deck, Gets Better PS3 Emulation, New Games That Finally Run Smoothly, NoobFeed

Steam's Massive Growth in 2025

Another fascinating insight comes from Steam's 2025 data. Gamers downloaded 100 exabytes of data in a single year. That breaks down to roughly 274petabytes per day, an enormous amount of data being delivered globally.

Maintaining that level of infrastructure must be incredibly costly. Still, it highlights just how rapidly the PC gaming space is growing. Steam is adding around 3.4 million new users each year, showing steady expansion even as other platforms begin to plateau.

What's interesting is how this growth contrasts with the perception that gaming is declining among younger audiences. While social platforms and multiplayer-focused games dominate attention, the sheer volume of data being downloaded suggests strong engagement with traditional PC gaming as well.

We might not always see it directly, but the ecosystem is expanding, and demand for high-quality gaming experiences remains strong.

The Direction Looks Promising

We're seeing meaningful improvements across the board. PS3 emulation is becoming more accessible, modern games are finally running well on handheld hardware, and developers are shifting toward better optimization practices.

If you're using a Steam Deck, you're in a better position than ever to experience both classic and modern games without major compromises.

Also, check our other hardware articles: