For those who've attempted to simply install and play the game, you will be greeted with a 296,473 error code and the appliation closes.

You will need to be in desktop mode in order to rectify this issue.

First you need to apply the classic patch found here: https://steamcommunity.com/app/12170/discussions/0/5625537320586181115/

Place it in the the GTA root folder

After applying the patch , you will need to open Steam and change the compatibility from experimental to Proton 4.11-13 and the game will work in desktop and handheld mode.

NOTE: In Handheld mode you will have to custom map EVERY input as the controls will not respond outside of an external keyboard.

I used the following link as a guide for mapping: https://gta.fandom.com/wiki/Controls_for_GTA_(1997_game)

Cheers!

Enjoy the nostalgia in handheld form!