Steam now shows average FPS for thousands of Steam Deck games, desktop PC support planned

Valve has updated its Steam store to display average framerate statistics for thousands of Steam Deck games, providing players with more detailed performance insights before making a purchase. According to PC Guide, the new update aims to address limitations in the existing Steam Deck verification system. While tags like Verified and Playable have long helped users identify compatible games, performance remains a key consideration, prompting many players to seek external reviews and benchmarks.

GamingOnLinux reported that the feature was announced in a blog post by Valve. Valve stated that the new data is calculated using information gathered from customers who have opted in to providing framerate data. This performance information is now available for games that have been tested for Deck compatibility, including Verified, Playable, and Unsupported titles. Players can access the average framerate data on each game's Steam Store detail page under Steam Deck Compatibility by clicking Learn More. Additionally, this information is available in the user's Steam Library on the Steam Client Beta.

PC Guide noted that Valve began anonymously recording framerate data back in February. These benchmarks are now visible as part of the Steam Deck Compatibility tab, showing average framerates for both the LCD and OLED models. Users can also view a Framerare Distribution graph that demonstrates how the average is calculated from the collected data. Valve explained that a game must reach a minimum threshold of anonymous data points collected before it can display these performance stats, meaning the title requires a solid playerbase.

GamingOnLinux highlighted that Valve introduced this feature because their internal testing may not match every customer's bar for acceptable gameplay, noting instances where an unsupported game might still run well enough for some users. By providing transparent data, Valve intends to help customers make more informed decisions. PC Guide added that anyone with a Steam Deck can opt-in to send their data via a game's Steam library page.

Looking ahead, Valve plans to expand performance data tracking beyond the handheld device. PC Guide and GamingOnLinux both reported that the opt-in option is now available on the latest Steam desktop client beta. Valve stated that starting with a fixed hardware system like the Steam Deck allows them to iron out any kinks before rolling out desktop support to all customers in the future.