Scheduled for release in summer 2026, Valve has confirmed that the Steam Machine and Steam Frame will join the Verified program, which assesses game performance on various hardware. This announcement comes amid rising costs for gaming consoles due to a global memory shortage, which has significantly impacted pricing across the industry.
Valve has yet to disclose the prices for the new hardware, leaving consumers uncertain amid increasing prices from major players like Xbox and Sony. The Steam Controller, launched on May 4, retails for $99, reflecting the trend of higher price points for gaming accessories.
The Verified program, which started with the Steam Deck, aims to ensure that games run smoothly on the Steam Machine and Steam Frame. Similar criteria apply for both devices, focusing on user experience, including graphics performance and controller compatibility.
Additionally, Valve has updated the Steam Store homepage to enhance user experience, featuring improved graphics and new sections for wishlists and game promotions tailored to player history.