Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s PC port is almost upon us, and as its release draws near, Square-Enix has announced that the game is fully Steam Deck verified.
Director Naoki Hamaguchi said in a post on X/Twitter: “We have received Steam Deck verification from Valve. I am grateful to the development team for their cooperation in optimizing the game until the very last moment. I hope many people will experience Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth on Steam Deck.”
Given Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth doesn’t have its own PlayStation 4 port, it’s surprising to see it gain the coveted Steam Deck Verified badge, a feat that mainline Final Fantasy 16 couldn’t manage to achieve.
So, to celebrate, Square-Enix created three “specially crafted” Steam Deck units; but these are no simple custom case or repaint job, they're full-on Chocobo makeovers.
Flocked with the Chocobo’s iconic yellow fluffy fur, feathers, and beak, one of these custom Steam Deck units was shown off in an official video, below. However, Square Enix warned: "we don’t advise trying to wrap high-tech gaming gear in fur at home."
Three of the furry Steam Decks were created, and on further inspection, they appear to be built on a Steam Deck OLED model (you can tell from the color of each analog stick). But you can’t help but question how practical it would be to game on the Chocobo Steam Deck, given that all of the feathers and flocking might get in the way. However, Square Enix has left the fan intake open at the rear, so the system can breathe.
If your mouth waters at the prospect of playing a 100-hour RPG on a furry Steam Deck, Square-Enix has teased on social media that it will run some kind of giveaway or competition so a few lucky fans can get their hands on one.
It's worth noting that Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth's Steam Deck verification reinforced the idea the game will eventually make its way to the just-announced Nintendo Switch 2. Indeed Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is reportedly set for Nintendo Switch in 2026, after Final Fantasy 7 Remake hits the console this year.
For now, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth launches on PC on January 23.
Sayem is a freelancer based in the UK, covering tech & hardware. You can get in touch with him at @sayem.zone on Bluesky.
