Valve is laying the groundwork for the launch of its new hardware, the Steam Machine and Steam Frame, by outlining the requirements for its “Verified” program. Similar to the existing system for the Steam Deck, these standards will indicate to players which titles are expected to run smoothly on the new devices. The move signals Valve’s commitment to a consistent user experience across its hardware ecosystem, but also introduces varying levels of performance expectations.
The core of the program centers around ensuring games meet specific performance benchmarks. For the Steam Machine, Valve is requiring a stable 1920×1080 resolution at 30 frames per second to earn the “Machine Verified” badge, as revealed during a presentation at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) [1]. This represents a step up from the Steam Deck, which doesn’t mandate a specific frame rate, only supporting resolutions of 1280×720/800 [1]. Valve attributes the higher requirements to the Steam Machine’s significantly more powerful hardware, claiming it’s approximately six times faster than the Steam Deck [1].
Interestingly, any game already “Deck Verified” will automatically receive a “Machine Verified” designation, but the reverse isn’t true [2]. This streamlined approach leverages the existing testing framework for the Steam Deck, reducing the workload for developers. Still, titles that run well on the Deck but struggle on the more demanding Steam Machine will undergo re-evaluation.
Valve is also addressing compatibility issues. Games that don’t function under SteamOS, the operating system powering both the Steam Deck and Steam Machine, will receive the same designation on both platforms [1]. If a game’s lack of Steam Deck support stems from the handheld’s performance limitations, Valve will retest those titles on the more capable Steam Machine [1].
Beyond performance, controller support is a key requirement for the “Machine Verified” badge. Games must be fully playable with a Steam Controller, mirroring the experience on the Steam Deck and eliminating the need for a mouse and keyboard [1]. Valve will not, however, be testing for text legibility or user interface clarity, acknowledging that screen sizes and viewing distances will vary among users [1].
Valve’s process for determining Steam Deck and Steam Machine verification levels. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
Steam Frame: A Higher Bar for VR Performance
The Steam Frame, Valve’s upcoming VR headset, has its own set of verification criteria. The device supports both native Steam games and SteamVR titles, which can be run locally or streamed from a PC or Steam Machine [1]. When streaming from a PC, no “Verified” designation is applied, as performance is dependent on the host machine [1]. However, when running games locally on the Steam Frame, Valve’s standards come into play.
For classic Steam games running on the Steam Frame’s integrated ARM chip, a stable 1280×720 resolution at 30 frames per second is required for “Frame Verified” status [1]. VR games have a more demanding target: a consistent 90 frames per second, exceeding the minimum of 72 frames per second required by Meta Quest headsets [1]. Valve notes that the Steam Frame’s faster chip and 16GB of RAM (compared to the Quest’s 8GB) should make achieving this frame rate feasible for most VR titles [1]. Maintaining a high frame rate is crucial in VR to minimize motion sickness and provide a comfortable experience.
Similar to the Steam Machine, full compatibility with the Steam Frame controllers – a hybrid of VR and Steam Controller designs without trackpads – is essential for the “Frame Verified” badge [1]. Valve will also assess the readability of user interfaces on the Steam Frame.
Launch Timeline Remains Uncertain
Despite the detailed verification process, the exact launch date for the Steam Machine, Steam Frame and Steam Controller remains fluid. Originally slated for early 2026, the timeline was adjusted to the first half of the year due to ongoing memory and storage shortages [3]. Valve has since expressed hope for a 2026 release, but has also clarified that the devices will still launch this year [3]. The ongoing global supply chain issues continue to pose a challenge to production and distribution.
Valve intends to distribute the Steam Machine in a similar fashion to the Steam Deck, selling directly through Steam and partnering with regional distributors [3]. This direct-to-consumer approach allows Valve to maintain control over the user experience and pricing.
The introduction of these verification standards is a crucial step towards ensuring a smooth and consistent gaming experience on Valve’s new hardware. By clearly defining performance expectations, Valve aims to build trust with consumers and encourage developers to optimize their games for the Steam Machine and Steam Frame. As the launch date approaches, further updates on the availability of these devices and the progress of the verification program are expected.
What impact will these verification standards have on game development and the overall Steam ecosystem? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
