Valve’s Steam Machine will have “fewer constraints” for games to be Verified than Steam Deck — plus, an explanation for that weird Steam Controller puck
January 16, 2026
In November, Valve, the visionary behind the Steam platform, stirred excitement in the gaming community with the announcement of the Steam Machine. This innovative device, powered by SteamOS, is designed to seamlessly integrate into living rooms, blurring the lines between traditional PC gaming and console experiences. The anticipation surrounding its early 2026 release is palpable, especially following the success of the Steam Deck, which has significantly elevated the handheld gaming PC market.
Game Verification Made Easier
As the launch date approaches, one pressing question arises: how will games achieve the coveted “Verified” badge for the Steam Machine? This badge, a mark of quality assurance from Valve, indicates that a game has been rigorously tested and runs smoothly on the Steam Deck. Fortunately, developers can expect a more streamlined process for obtaining this status for the Steam Machine. According to Game Developer, designer Lawrence Yang noted that there will be “fewer constraints” for developers, thanks to the Steam Machine’s robust hardware specifications, which rival those of current-generation consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.
This enhanced capability means that developers will find it easier to secure verification for their titles on the Steam Machine compared to the Steam Deck, ultimately leading to a more extensive library of Steam Machine Verified games. This is promising news for both developers and players, as the Verified badge serves as a powerful marketing tool, signaling to consumers that a game is optimized for performance, a crucial factor for PC gamers when making purchasing decisions.
The Steam Machine will have enough power under the hood to contend with current-gen consoles like the Xbox Series X and PS5, though its 8GB of VRAM will be something of a bottleneck. Still, it’s much more powerful than the Steam Deck, and will have more Verified games as a result. (Image credit: Valve)
Innovative Controller Design
Valve engineer Steve Cardinali also shared insights into the new Steam Controller, which will accompany the Steam Machine and be available for separate purchase. A standout feature is the puck accessory, which functions as both a wireless receiver and a charger. Cardinali explained that while Bluetooth connectivity remains an option, Valve opted for a dedicated adapter to mitigate the interference often caused by multiple Bluetooth devices in close proximity.
This thoughtful design encourages users to position the Steam Controller’s puck in a more open area, reducing potential interference and enhancing the charging experience. The ultimate aim is to create an “It just works” environment, ensuring that users enjoy a seamless interaction with their gaming setup. As the release date draws nearer, the gaming community eagerly awaits the arrival of both the Steam Machine and its innovative controller.
What are your thoughts on the Steam Machine? Do you plan on getting one whenever they become available? How about the new Steam Controller? Let me know how you’re feeling in the comments.
Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!
Valve’s Steam Machine will have “fewer constraints” for games to be Verified than Steam Deck — plus, an explanation for that weird Steam Controller puck
In November, Valve, the visionary behind the Steam platform, stirred excitement in the gaming community with the announcement of the Steam Machine. This innovative device, powered by SteamOS, is designed to seamlessly integrate into living rooms, blurring the lines between traditional PC gaming and console experiences. The anticipation surrounding its early 2026 release is palpable, especially following the success of the Steam Deck, which has significantly elevated the handheld gaming PC market.
Game Verification Made Easier
As the launch date approaches, one pressing question arises: how will games achieve the coveted “Verified” badge for the Steam Machine? This badge, a mark of quality assurance from Valve, indicates that a game has been rigorously tested and runs smoothly on the Steam Deck. Fortunately, developers can expect a more streamlined process for obtaining this status for the Steam Machine. According to Game Developer, designer Lawrence Yang noted that there will be “fewer constraints” for developers, thanks to the Steam Machine’s robust hardware specifications, which rival those of current-generation consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.
This enhanced capability means that developers will find it easier to secure verification for their titles on the Steam Machine compared to the Steam Deck, ultimately leading to a more extensive library of Steam Machine Verified games. This is promising news for both developers and players, as the Verified badge serves as a powerful marketing tool, signaling to consumers that a game is optimized for performance, a crucial factor for PC gamers when making purchasing decisions.
(Image credit: Valve)
Innovative Controller Design
Valve engineer Steve Cardinali also shared insights into the new Steam Controller, which will accompany the Steam Machine and be available for separate purchase. A standout feature is the puck accessory, which functions as both a wireless receiver and a charger. Cardinali explained that while Bluetooth connectivity remains an option, Valve opted for a dedicated adapter to mitigate the interference often caused by multiple Bluetooth devices in close proximity.
This thoughtful design encourages users to position the Steam Controller’s puck in a more open area, reducing potential interference and enhancing the charging experience. The ultimate aim is to create an “It just works” environment, ensuring that users enjoy a seamless interaction with their gaming setup. As the release date draws nearer, the gaming community eagerly awaits the arrival of both the Steam Machine and its innovative controller.
What are your thoughts on the Steam Machine? Do you plan on getting one whenever they become available? How about the new Steam Controller? Let me know how you’re feeling in the comments.
Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!