- Games with the "Verified on Steam Deck" label will be compatible on Steam Machine from the start.
- There will be a new “Verified on Steam Machine” badge to evaluate performance and control in the lounge.
- Target performance: 4K at 60 FPS with FSR, quick suspend, and cloud saves on SteamOS.
- Expandable compatibility when installing Windows; some initial absences such as GTA VI on SteamOS.
The big question already has a clear answer: What games will you be able to play on Valve's new Steam Machine? The company has confirmed that its small living room PC will come with seamless compatibility with the Steam catalog, leveraging SteamOS and its verification program. The goal is for you to simply connect the computer to your TV, log in, and play without any hassle.
In parallel, Valve has also unveiled a new Steam Controller and the Steam Frame headset, reinforcing a hardware ecosystem focused on SteamOS. But the focus here is clear: the Steam Machine aims to run your games at 4K and 60 FPS with FSR, with quick suspend and cloud saves, and with a very useful visual guide to know which titles work from the first minute.
What games can you play with a Steam Machine from day one?
Valve has cleared up any doubts: All games with the "Verified on Steam Deck" badge inherit automatic compatibility on Steam MachineThis means that if you already have a library of titles verified for Valve's handheld, you'll be able to run them on the new living room machine without any extra steps, with controller support and the appropriate settings for SteamOS.
In addition, the company will expand its verification program with a new distinctive “Verified on Steam Machine.” This label will accurately identify how each game performs on desktop hardware, so you’ll know at a glance if the performance, controls, and interface are up to par on your TV.
Beyond that direct inheritance from Steam Deck, you'll be able to access thousands of titles in the catalog Steam on SteamOS, including indie and AAA titles with mod support. The experience maintains the platform's core features: cloud saves, Remote Play, chat, Steam Workshop, and all the other functionalities you're already used to on PC.
There are important nuances to keep in mind: Valve indicates that some titles will not be available at launch; for example, GTA VI will not be part of the catalog at launch SteamOS support is not guaranteed, and its future availability is not guaranteed. If this absence affects you, there's always the option of installing Windows to extend compatibility in the traditional way.
When talking about specific games, the sensible thing to do is to think about Everything that runs well on Steam Deck today with verificationThis is in addition to the titles that will receive the new Steam Machine label. Meanwhile, Proton's support on SteamOS will continue to expand the catalog's compatibility, as has already been the case throughout the Deck's lifespan.
Another point in favor is that You can play online without fees in games that don't require their own subscription. This is a key difference compared to closed ecosystems: here, flexibility and the absence of additional fees for Steam multiplayer are paramount.
If you're interested in cloud gaming, the company confirms that Steam Machine It will allow access to services such as Xbox Cloud Gaming From SteamOS, this expands your gaming options beyond what's installed locally. In addition, you can stream locally to other devices in your home using Steam Link.
As for controls, the device is designed for the living room: it works natively with the new Steam Controller (without external adapters) and also with Xbox and PlayStation controllers and other controllers compatible with Steam Input. In the case of the Valve controller, pairing can be direct thanks to the adapter integrated into the device itself.
If you already have a library on microSD cards ready for Steam Deck, there's good news: the Steam Machine's card reader allows you to In many cases, moving your games between devicesInstalling the game on the card from the Deck and playing again in the living room with a simple change of support, provided the title is compatible.
Another relevant idea for knowing "what you can play" is the ability to stream games to other devices of the ecosystem: you can start a demanding game on Steam Machine and stream it to a Steam Deck or Steam Frame viewer, taking advantage of the desktop's power as a base.
Compatibility, labels, and experience with SteamOS
Valve's proposed user experience revolves around SteamOS with fast suspend and resumeCloud storage and a plug-and-play interface. No need to struggle with complicated settings: the console boots in Big Picture mode and takes you straight to your library.
The compatibility program is being updated on two fronts: firstly, as we have already mentioned, “Deck Verified” games become compatible from the startOn the other hand, there is a specific "Verified on Steam Machine" badge that will clearly communicate the expected experience on this hardware.
As with Steam Deck, we're talking about a complete PC disguised as a console: You can activate desktop mode with KDE Plasma. to install applications, emulators, and tools, or even change your operating system. Valve makes it clear: "It's your computer, use it however you want."
For those who prefer the universal solution, install Windows on the Steam Machine It will maximize compatibility with third-party games and launchers. However, Valve's offering is designed to shine with SteamOS, without sacrificing the versatility of a traditional PC.
In terms of performance, Valve claims that the Steam Machine is six times more powerful than Steam DeckThe practical goal is to aim for 4K and 60 FPS with the help of FSR (intelligent upscaling), always depending on the game and the optimization of each studio, as happens with any PC.
The heart of the machine combines a custom AMD CPU and GPU. Specifically, a Zen 4 processor with 6 cores and 12 threads (up to 4,8 GHz, 30 W) and an RDNA 3-based GPU with 28 CUs (up to 2,45 GHz, 110 W, 8 GB of dedicated GDDR6). It is accompanied by 16 GB of DDR5 system RAM.
Storage is based on two models: 512 GB or 2 TB on NVMe 2230Both are expandable with high-speed microSD cards. If you frequently play demanding games, you'll want to consider the 2TB model or the expansion options via cards and external hard drives.
- In the USB section, you will find 1 USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 and four USB-A ports (two front 3.2 Gen 1 and two rear 2.0) for accessories, external storage and more.
- The cubic chassis is around 16 cm per side and 2,6 kg in weight, with an internal power supply to avoid "bricks" hanging on the floor.
- The refrigeration focuses on a 14 cm fan and a quiet design intended for living room furniture, even when boxed in.
- incluye una 17-diode RGB LED strip configurable, indicating system statuses (such as downloads) and providing a customizable touch.
In terms of usability, the console supports HDMI-CEC for TV control It uses the remote control and allows background downloads (a feature already seen on Steam Deck and in beta). The system's total power consumption is around 200W, a design that prioritizes efficiency and quiet operation for the living room.
The new Steam Controller will be sold with the Steam Machine or separately. It debuts TMR magnetic sticks To minimize drift, it features an improved gyroscope (GripSense), more precise haptics, and four rear paddles. Valve estimates a minimum battery life of 35 hours and offers connectivity via its own dongle (8 ms latency), USB, or Bluetooth.
As a detail, the console integrates a specific wireless adapter To pair the Steam Controller without additional accessories, although the controller includes the Steam Controller Puck for charging and a dedicated radio when needed. Between the controller, Steam Input, and community-shared profiles, control customization is virtually endless.
The estimated release date is "early 2026" and Valve is aiming for a price close to that of other home consolesAlthough there's no final figure yet. It will be sold exclusively through Steam, just like the Steam Deck.
If you already use Steam Deck, the integration with Steam Machine is very well handled: You can log in and have your entire library instantly., share installations on microSD when appropriate, transfer from desktop to laptop and keep cloud saves synchronized.
And if you're wondering about the battle with PlayStation and Xbox, Valve's proposal combines "plug-and-play" convenience and the freedom of an open PCThis translates to online gaming without added fees, mods, optional stores and launchers if you install Windows, and the ability to upgrade or change components in the future, just like any pre-built PC.
Compared to the 2020 consoles, on paper the Steam Machine should See current games better thanks to its muscleHowever, each title depends on its own optimization and the use of technologies like FSR. With ray tracing, performance will always vary depending on the graphical load, something that the specialized press has already noticed in preliminary demos.
To complete the ecosystem, Valve has introduced Steam Frame, a wireless headset with controllers which prioritizes streaming. It is the first device with SteamOS on ARM (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3), with 2160×2160 per-eye displays (72–120 Hz, 144 Hz experimental), Wi-Fi 7, and a new “foveated streaming” that uses eye tracking to optimize bandwidth and quality where you look.
The visor weighs around 435–440 grams with strapIt integrates audio and a 21,6 Wh battery, and adds a 6 GHz plug-and-play adapter for a dedicated low-latency link. The Frame Controllers feature TMR sticks, haptic feedback, capacitive finger tracking, and Up to 40 hours with one AA battery by command.
Steam Frame can run independently with SteamOS and 16GB LPDDR5X, run conventional games on a virtual screen and compatible VR games, as well as receive streaming (with and without VR) from more powerful machines such as the Steam Machine itself.
Overall, Valve's move is clear: Bring your entire Steam library to the living room With Steam Machine, you can continue your gaming experience with a modern and flexible controller, and unlock a path to wireless virtual reality gaming with Steam Frame. All of this is based on SteamOS and features an expanded verification program so you know everything works perfectly from day one.
With this in mind, the question is answered: you'll be able to play all "Deck Verified" titles on Steam Machine, as well as those that will achieve the "Verified on Steam Machine" label, and you can also extend compatibility by installing Windows if you wish. Between the advertised power, the comfort of your living room, and the open nature of the PC, the Valve's new desktop console It aims to become an ideal bridge between your Steam library and your TV. For more information, please visit the official website. Steam.
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