Valve promises 4K 60FPS in majority of Steam games on new console – but gamers aren't convinced

Valve still hasn't revealed the full specs of its new Steam Machine console or its price. Those details were delayed along with the device's early 2026 launch due to an AI-fueled shortage of PC components. But the company shared fresh information about the mini-computer's performance that sounds almost too good to be true.

In our testing the majority of Steam titles play great at 4K 60FPS with FSR on Steam Machine. That said, there are some titles that currently require more upscaling than others, and it may be preferable to play at a lower framerate with VRR to maintain a 1080p internal resolution.

In the meantime, we are working on HDMI VRR, investigating improved upscaling, and optimizing ray tracing performance in the driver, so we are approaching this from multiple angles.

Steam users remain skeptical:

• "I don't see how that's possible on many, if not most current AAA games. The hardware just isn't there. Isn't this supposed to be a 3050 or lower class device?"

• "I don't think the hardware is capable of delivering this promise. I have a 12 GB 3060. Which, presumably, is a significantly more powerful GPU than the one being offered. But it's a still a lower-end GPU and I'm not playing any AAA games at 4K."

What Valve means by "majority" remains unclear, considering thousands of new games arrive on Steam each year and most are small indie titles that aren't demanding to run. Steam Machine might handle Hollow Knight: Silksong and Slay the Spire 2 at 4K 60FPS without issue, but what about Resident Evil Requiem and Crimson Desert – AAA blockbusters coming to PC in the next few months? Not to mention last year's games with PC performance problems like Monster Hunter Wilds and Borderlands 4.

If Steam Machine can actually deliver 4K 60FPS even in some of these major titles without excessive frame generation or upscaling, the mini-PC could become a competitive option for those considering an upgrade or purchasing their first gaming PC.

Though the price likely won't be low.