Valve Details Steam Machine and Steam Frame Verification at GDC 2026

Valve has revealed the verification requirements for its upcoming Steam Machine and Steam Frame devices at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2026. The announcements build upon the existing Steam Deck verification program, aiming to provide users with clear indicators of game compatibility and performance.

Steam Machine Verified: A Higher-Performance Extension

The Steam Machine, positioned as a home console sibling to the Steam Deck, will leverage much of the Deck’s verification model. According to Valve, all games verified on the Steam Deck will automatically be verified on the Steam Machine. This includes the requirement for full controller support.

However, the Steam Machine introduces a new performance benchmark: games must run at 1080p resolution with a frame rate of 30 frames per second (fps) to earn the “Steam Machine Verified” badge. Valve will not be testing display resolution or UI legibility as part of the verification process for the Steam Machine.

Steam Frame Verified: Targeting VR Performance

The Steam Frame, a standalone VR headset designed for PC streaming and standalone experiences, has its own verification criteria. “Steam Frame Verified” applies to both VR and non-VR games, requiring full playability with Steam Frame controllers.

Standalone VR titles aiming for verification must achieve a frame rate of 90 fps. Standalone 2D titles demand to run at 30 fps at a resolution of 1280×720. Legible user interfaces (UI) are also a requirement for Steam Frame verification.

Improving SteamOS Compatibility

Valve is also focused on improving overall compatibility on SteamOS. The company is working on enhancing anti-cheat support, allowing developers to opt-in to bring their anti-cheat programs to SteamOS. This move aims to enable more competitive multiplayer games to run on the Steam Machine, Steam Deck, and other devices utilizing SteamOS.

Valve acknowledged ongoing challenges with kernel-level anti-cheat and Secure Boot.

Initial Expectations vs. Reality

When initially showcased, Valve had suggested the Steam Machine could handle most games at 4K resolution with 60fps, utilizing AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR). However, the verified program requirements indicate a more conservative baseline of 1080p at 30fps.