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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Steamworks now gives developers more than an average-FPS figure: a framerate distribution chart shows how opt-in Steam Deck players’ reported frame rates are spread across sessions. Valve announced the report on October 1, 2026, for Steam Deck Verified titles. It can help developers spot performance patterns, but device limits, player settings, external displays and loading screens all affect what the chart shows.
What the new Steam Deck FPS report shows
Valve’s new Steamworks chart presents a distribution of framerates reported by participating Steam Deck players. It is meant to complement the existing average-framerate and customer-feedback charts, giving developers a more detailed view of how reported performance varies rather than reducing it to a single average.
The report is based on anonymized data from players who opted in to sharing framerate information. Valve says a majority of Steam Deck players had opted in, but did not publish an exact participation rate. The data is intended to reflect how players experience games in ordinary use, not a controlled benchmark.
Where developers can find the chart
Valve announced access for games marked Steam Deck Verified. In the Steamworks Partner Dashboard, open Technical Tools > Steam Hardware Compatibility Review from the partner landing page.
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This is a Steam Deck-specific feature, not a report for every Steam game or all Steam hardware. Valve says it is starting with Deck because the devices share a consistent hardware configuration, which makes the data easier to interpret. The announcement does not give a date or commitment for expanding coverage.
How to interpret the framerate distribution
A low-FPS segment is a reason to investigate in context, not proof by itself that a game has a performance defect. Several factors can shift readings independently of a game’s typical gameplay performance:
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- 7.4” diagonal, HDR OLED, 1280 x 800 x RGB, up to 90Hz Refresh rate, High performance touch, <0.1 ms Response time, 1,000 nits peak brightness (HDR), 600 nits (SDR)
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- LCD and OLED have different display limits. Valve states a maximum frame rate of 60 FPS for Steam Deck LCD and 90 FPS for Steam Deck OLED. These are device-specific ceilings, not targets every game must reach.
- Players can set a lower frame limit. Some OLED users may cap frame rate to save battery, so a game capable of sustaining 90 FPS can still contribute observations in lower-FPS segments.
- Some sessions use external displays. A docked Deck may be connected to a display with a higher refresh rate than the built-in screen, affecting the context of the reading.
- Loading screens are included. Valve says the sampled time includes loading, when framerate can drop substantially. A dip in the chart may therefore reflect time outside ordinary gameplay.
Valve offers one example of how to use the report: if a significant share of observations is below 30 FPS and players also report performance or stability problems, developers could investigate optimization or consider changing the default graphics configuration for Deck. That is an example, not a universal pass/fail threshold; the announcement does not say that every reading below 30 FPS signals a defect.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Use the chart alongside other evidence
The distribution is most useful when read with the average-framerate and customer-feedback charts already available in the same review area. Developers can use player reports and other performance evidence to help distinguish a recurring gameplay problem from readings shaped by loading, frame caps or display setup. The chart adds detail about reported outcomes; it does not by itself explain why a particular frame rate occurred.
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- Operating System: SteamOS 3.0
Valve’s October 1, 2026 announcement describes opt-in anonymized Steam Deck data and the new report in the Steamworks Development post. Valve’s stated LCD and OLED maximums are listed in its Steam Deck technical specifications.
Quick Recap
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- Valve is entering the gaming console marketplace with the new Steam Deck, a console geared towards PC gamers. The Steam Deck can be docked to a monitor, and used as a PC, or docked to a TV.
- Players can play a huge variety of games at any time with the comfort of a console and the freedom of a PC. Not anti-glare screen.
- Like the name suggests, the Steam Deck will include upgraded 1TB storage, and will include a carrying case. A micro SD slot will also enable expanded storage.
- Valve partnered with AMD to create a specialized APU optimized for handheld gaming, and Valve says the chip will deliver performance to run AAA gaming titles.
- The Steam Deck is outfitted with a 7-inch touchscreen, and two trackpads under the control sticks that allow gamers to operate games never designed outside of mouse and keyboard capabilities.
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