Valve Expands Hardware Verification to Steam Machine and Steam Frame
Valve has announced that it is extending its hardware verification program to cover the new Steam Machine and Steam Frame, both scheduled to ship this summer. The move aims to give players a clearer picture of how games will perform on these devices right out of the box.
Purpose of the Verification Program
The verification program is designed to inform customers about the expected out-of-box experience for a given title on each device. Much like the Steam Deck Verified initiative, the goal is to communicate whether a game will run smoothly without any user configuration, and whether default settings, controller mapping, and performance are suitable for the device’s hardware and display.
How Steam Deck Verification Relates to Steam Machine
Games that are already verified for the Steam Deck will automatically be expected to run on the Steam Machine without additional developer intervention. Because the Steam Machine shares the same core software architecture as the Steam Deck — including Proton and the standard Steam interface — much of the verification criteria and assessment process overlap. Valve will re-test titles that previously failed Steam Deck verification due solely to hardware performance limitations on the more powerful Steam Machine hardware to determine whether those titles now meet the verification standards.
Verification Criteria and Focus Areas
The evaluation focuses on several practical concerns that affect the user experience from the moment the game is launched. Key assessment areas include default controller configurations, out-of-box graphics performance, and whether a title runs acceptably on the device’s default settings without extra tuning. For the Steam Frame in particular, the criteria include legibility of text and user interface elements on the built-in display, native controller mapping to the Steam Frame Controllers, and stable performance when running locally on the headset without a connected PC.
Steam Frame Standalone Verified Program
Valve’s Steam Frame Standalone Verified program is tailored to evaluate games that run directly on the headset. This program covers both VR and non-VR titles and assesses how well they perform using the Steam Frame’s internal hardware. Tests ensure that frame rates and responsiveness meet an acceptable standard on the default graphics configuration, that menus, HUDs, and text remain readable on the headset’s display, and that control inputs are properly mapped and intuitive using the native controllers.
Benefits for Players and Developers
For players, the expanded verification program provides clearer expectations about game compatibility and performance, helping buyers choose titles that will deliver a smooth experience immediately after purchase. For developers, the program offers guidance on target configurations and highlights the importance of testing default control schemes and display readability on new hardware. Developers whose games were previously limited by the Steam Deck’s hardware may find that re-testing on Steam Machine hardware results in a verified status, reducing friction for customers and improving discoverability on the Steam store.