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How to set custom game resolution on steam deck

Setting Custom Game Resolutions | Users Share Solutions Amid Frustration

By

Leila Akhtar

Jun 8, 2025, 12:43 PM

2 minutes of duration

A person adjusting the resolution settings on a Steam Deck connected to a high-resolution monitor for gaming.

In a recent discussion on forums, a gamer using a Steam Deck on a 3440x1440 monitor raised a common issue: how to set the maximum game resolution to an unconventional 1720x720. This query sparked a wave of insights and suggestions on addressing this challenge.

Background of the Inquiry

The gamer aims for native 2x scaling on their setup, which is less common in the gaming community. Users often struggle with setting preferred resolutions, especially when standard options are available.

Community Responses: Suggestions and Struggles

Several comments reflect user experiences and hurdles:

  • Uncommon Resolution: One commenter pointed out that "1720x720 is not a common resolution for games," expressing skepticism about its feasibility.

  • Desktop Mode Workaround: Another suggested using desktop mode to potentially create launcher strings to manually force the resolution, though they admitted uncertainty about the method.

  • Seeking Solutions: The original poster and others express ongoing frustration and hope for clearer steps or potential fixes from the community.

"Maybe on desktop mode you can make a launcher strings and force the game to run at this resolution but I donโ€™t know how."

โ€” Commenter on the forum

Sentiment and Themes

The sentiment in responses ranges from constructive suggestions to visible frustration. Key themes emerged:

  • Resolution Challenges: Many agree that setting uncommon resolutions is complicated.

  • Desktop Solutions: Users are leaning toward leveraging desktop mode as a potential workaround.

  • Community Support: There remains a call for better guides or support in achieving these custom settings.

Key Insights

  • ๐ŸŽฎ 1720x720 is rarely supported in gaming.

  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Exploring desktop mode could be a workaround.

  • ๐Ÿค” Ongoing community discussions reflect shared challenges.

Curiously, as more gamers explore their options, are we likely to see a push for more customization in resolution settings from game developers?

What Lies Ahead for Game Resolution Customization

As gamers continue to voice challenges about setting unique resolutions like 1720x720, thereโ€™s a strong chance that game developers may start paying more attention to these requests. Experts estimate that within the next year, we might see patches or updates that allow for greater customization across various platforms, including Steam Deck. Such shifts could come from grassroots pressure within gaming communities, which have proven powerful in the past. More developers may also realize that broadening resolution support can enhance player experience and retention, especially with the rise of custom hardware setups.

A Parallel from the Vintage Gaming Era

Drawing a parallel to the era of early PC gaming, we can look at the introduction of modding tools. Back in the late '90s, many games began to support modding to address the limitations of base games. Just as players today seek specific resolutions, modding communities pushed for alterations in gameplay and graphics. The success of these mods shaped the future of game design, leading developers to embrace user-generated content. In the same way, the ongoing push for resolution control may encourage developers to democratize gaming experiences further, granting players more freedom to tailor their gameplay environments.