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Gaming·1 min read

Steam now shows average frame rates for Steam Deck games

Steam now displays the average frame rate at which games run on the Steam Deck, giving buyers a clearer idea of the performance to expect on Valve's handheld.

A Steam Deck handheld console running a game, with a performance overlay showing the frame rate.
Image: heise online
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Steam now shows how smoothly games run on the Steam Deck. Valve has added the average frame rate a title reaches on its handheld to the game's page, giving players a concrete performance figure before they buy.

Until now, shoppers have mostly relied on the Steam Deck compatibility labels, which indicate whether a game is playable on the device but say little about how fluid it feels in practice. An average frame rate adds a number to that picture and helps set expectations for demanding titles in particular.

Why it matters

Frame rate is one of the most important factors for handheld gaming. A game can technically run and still feel sluggish, which matters on a portable device with limited power and battery life. A figure shown directly on the store page makes it easier to compare games and to decide whether a purchase suits the Deck.

The information is meant as orientation. An average describes typical performance, not what every player will see in every scene or with every setting, so individual results can differ.

Valve has not detailed further plans in the material available so far. Players can check the store pages of games they are interested in to see whether the new value is displayed.

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Tags:steamsteam deckvalveframe ratehandheld

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