New Steam Feature Could Soon Estimate Game FPS Based on Your Hardware Specs

Steam appears to be experimenting with a new feature that estimates game framerates based on your hardware. According to the latest client update, the functionality is currently in Beta and focuses on SteamOS devices (via Tom’s Hardware). By gathering FPS data from players, Valve aims to create baseline metrics that could inform gamers how smoothly a title will run on their system.

For now, it seems Valve is limiting the test to SteamOS, which powers devices like the Steam Deck OLED and Lenovo Legion Go S. Fewer hardware configurations make it easier to produce accurate predictions compared with desktop and laptop PCs, which can vary widely in performance. Beta testers on these devices may get early insights into expected framerates, potentially helping handheld users choose the right titles for smooth gameplay.

While consoles and services like Xbox offer performance guidance, those predictions are often imprecise. Games may meet recommended specifications yet run with inconsistent framerates or slow load times. If Steam can provide accurate FPS estimates, it could give gamers more confidence before buying, especially on systems with borderline performance.

The feature is still in early testing, so its wider rollout is uncertain. Valve will need to prove that its FPS estimates match real-world gameplay, otherwise players could end up disappointed. The potential is promising, however, particularly for handheld SteamOS devices or future Steam Machines, which have been repeatedly delayed but remain a point of interest for enthusiasts.

It’s unclear when PC users outside of SteamOS will see the feature, or whether the FPS data will appear directly on Store pages. That said, if successful, Steam’s hardware-based framerate predictions could change how gamers plan purchases and anticipate performance.