Valve plans to relax game compatibility requirements for its upcoming Steam Machine verified program, making it less strict than the current Steam Deck Verified standards. Lawrence Yang, a Valve designer, explained that the more powerful Steam Machine hardware allows for broader game support. Games already verified for the Steam Deck will likely carry over to the Steam Machine program.

The move signals Valve's push to expand SteamOS adoption beyond handheld gaming. While resolution requirements may be adjusted, core compatibility features like Proton support and controller functionality are expected to remain. The company also confirmed that Steam Frame VR titles will undergo rigorous testing.

Valve engineer Steve Cardinali emphasized the company's focus on seamless user experiences across hardware. The Controller Puck, a wireless extender, was designed to minimize interference and ensure compatibility. These changes aim to make Steam Machine more accessible to console-like users while maintaining performance standards.