Valve Partners with AMD to Bring FSR 4 to Steam Machines
▼ Summary
– The Steam Machine is about as powerful as a PlayStation 5.
– Its earlier version of AMD FSR upscaler is not as good as it should be.
– The PS5 and PS5 Pro render a clearer image in motion during game comparisons.
– The 512GB version of the Steam Machine launches at $1,049, higher than expected.
– There is some hope that games on the console will look better with future updates.
Valve has officially teamed up with AMD to bring the next-generation FSR 4 upscaling technology to its Steam Machine console. This collaboration aims to close the visual quality gap between Valve’s hardware and rival platforms like the PlayStation 5 and the PS5 Pro.
The Steam Machine is an impressively compact console, delivering performance roughly on par with a standard PS5, as my colleague Sean Hollister detailed in his thorough review. However, one of its most noticeable weaknesses has been its reliance on an older version of AMD’s FSR upscaler. While that earlier iteration can sharpen lower-resolution graphics to simulate higher fidelity, it struggles with motion clarity. In side-by-side comparisons, the PS5 and especially the PS5 Pro produce a noticeably cleaner, more stable image during gameplay.
That shortcoming is a real problem for the Steam Machine, particularly given its premium price tag. The base 512GB model launches at $1,049, a figure significantly higher than many had anticipated. For that cost, gamers expect top-tier visual performance, not a compromise.
The good news is that FSR 4 promises substantial improvements over its predecessor. By integrating this newer technology directly into the Steam Machine’s ecosystem, Valve hopes to deliver sharper, more fluid visuals that can compete with Sony’s console lineup. This partnership signals a serious commitment to making the Steam Machine a viable high-end gaming platform, not just a niche PC alternative.
(Source: The Verge)
