Shift Up, the studio behind the acclaimed PS5 action-adventure title Stellar Blade, has announced plans to optimize the game for the Steam Deck and other handheld PCs.  Originally launched as a PlayStation 5 exclusive in April 2024, the game is set to arrive on PC later in 2025.

Following a successful PS5 debut, which saw Stellar Blade top sales charts in the US despite pre-release controversy, Shift Up confirmed a PC port in November 2024. The studio, founded in 2013, recently provided an update on the PC version's development, specifically addressing optimization for handheld devices.

In a recent financial report Q&A (via GamingOnLinux), Shift Up emphasized its commitment to optimization as key to the game's success on PC. The developers are aiming for "smooth gameplay" on Ultra Mobile PCs (UMPCs) like the Steam Deck.  Beyond performance, Shift Up plans to enhance user convenience, include additional content, and implement a tailored marketing strategy for the PC launch.  The company anticipates the PC version will commercially outperform its console counterpart due to the larger PC market.

The studio also hinted at potentially revealing more information about their next project, Project Witches, slated for release after 2027, in the first half of 2025.

The news of Steam Deck optimization is a welcome development for handheld gamers, particularly as newer AAA titles become increasingly demanding on the device's hardware.  A successful Steam Deck port would make Stellar Blade a significant addition to the platform's library.

While awaiting Stellar Blade's PC release, Steam Deck users can explore other recent AAA additions to the platform, including the Steam Deck-verified Civilization 7.