Steam users can now check the compatibility of games for the Steam Machine directly on store pages, mirroring the existing Steam Deck verification system. This update allows players to see at a glance whether titles from their backlog will run on Valve's original living room PC hardware.
To view this information, users can click the "learn more" link adjacent to the Steam Deck compatibility rating on any given game's store page. This will offer a breakdown of how the game performs across Valve's various hardware and software platforms. However, the system is not yet comprehensive; some games, like the upcoming Black Myth: Wukong, are still listed as "unknown" with a message indicating that Valve is "still learning" about their performance on the Steam Machine. This could be due to a game not meeting certain performance thresholds, such as minimum frame rates, on the hardware.
Despite the "unknown" status for some titles, Black Myth: Wukong is reportedly running successfully on SteamOS. This suggests that players can still enjoy the game and the benefits of SteamOS on alternative hardware, such as the Lenovo Legion Go S, rather than being limited to the Steam Machine itself. It is worth noting that running SteamOS on a custom PC build can present challenges, particularly with kernel-level anti-cheat systems found in many competitive multiplayer games.
Valve is reportedly still assessing compatibility for a number of other games, including Elden Ring Nightreign, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, and Resident Evil Requiem. Conversely, some games that are only rated 'Playable' on the Steam Deck, such as 007: First Light, have reportedly been bumped up to 'Verified' status when played on the more powerful Steam Machine hardware.
On a more personal note, less graphically demanding titles have been performing well. The diorama builder Shanty Town holds a 'Verified' status for both Steam Deck and Steam Machine, alongside SteamOS compatibility. Magical Princess, while rated 'Playable' on both Valve handhelds, encounters minor text and button display issues on the Steam Machine, leading to its less definitive rating.
While a dedicated filter for Steam Machine or SteamOS compatibility is not yet available on the Steam store, it is anticipated that such a feature will be implemented in the future. This follows the recent introduction of the "Great on Frame" category, which may foreshadow the upcoming release of the Steam Frame VR headset and its own compatibility classifications.