Based on my testing on my own Steam Deck for over a year now, including having folks at events like Midwest Gaming Classic, VGM Con, and other indie game friendly events, the game runs and plays very well on Steam Deck.
You can play via the main gamepad controls, or using the touch screen, or using an external keyboard for the typing action.
No in-game text input is required and the word-action would be hindered by an on screen keyboard, so there's no on-screen keyboard support.
The main way I've played and have seen others play is simply using the regular game controller input built-in to the Steam Deck, which again works awesome.
Regarding the Steam Deck compatibility checklist, let's look at the Steam criteria by the numbers.
Input: 3/3 depending on how Steam judges these for Word Turtle Island. At worst WTI would be 2/3.
- Controller support: YES
- Controller glyphs: Game UI doesn't use labeled glyphs to remind of controller buttons.
- Text input: N/A
Display: 3/3
- Resolution: supports Steam Deck native resolutions
- Default configuration: yes to performing well, playable framerate
- Text legibility: yes
Seamlessnes: 2/2
- No compatibility warnings: yes, no warnings
- Launchers: yes, no launchers
Overall score either 8/8 or 7/8 for Steam Deck support.
It's been so fun to be able to show Word Turtle Island to folks for over a year now playing great on my Steam Deck. Hoping to make this rating official and have it appear on the game's page on Steam!