Valve has removed language promising "4K gaming at 60 FPS" from the Steam Machine's hardware page, a change that arrived after early reviews indicated the device struggled to consistently achieve that performance level.
The altered claim, first noted on June 25, appeared after initial hands-on impressions from publications like Linus Tech Tips and Digital Foundry suggested the Steam Machine's performance is more akin to that of a PlayStation 5. While Sony's console can often achieve near-4K resolutions or 60 FPS, it typically cannot do both simultaneously, a limitation that now seems to apply to Valve's hardware as well.
Reviewers have reported difficulties in running modern titles, such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Forza Horizon 6, at a stable 60 frames per second even with upscaling technologies like AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution engaged, especially when aiming for higher graphical settings. The device has been observed to perform better at lower resolutions or with reduced graphical fidelity to maintain smoother frame rates.
Previously, Valve had stated in a blog post that while most Steam titles played well at 4K 60 FPS with FSR, some games necessitated more upscaling or benefited from lower framerates and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for a 1080p internal resolution. This nuance has been entirely removed from the product page.
Despite these performance concerns, the Steam Machine is generally regarded as a well-engineered and aesthetically pleasing living room gaming device. However, with a price tag of $1,050, its performance capabilities are under significant scrutiny. The device's competitive standing may shift, particularly if current-generation consoles see price increases in the future.