Technology

Steam Machine to have fewer 'Verified' badge constraints — Valve says Verified on Steam Deck titles expected to run smoothly on upcoming PC console

Source

Tom's Hardware

Published

Jan 14, 2026

TL;DR

AI Generated

Valve has announced that developers will face fewer constraints to get the Steam Machine Verified badge compared to the Steam Deck Verification, as the Steam Machine boasts more powerful hardware. The Steam Machine, a mini PC for living room gaming, is expected to be priced competitively and is more potent than the Steam Deck due to its larger size and robust components. Valve aims for titles Verified on Steam Deck to also be Verified on Steam Machine, ensuring smooth performance. The company has introduced a unique charging puck for the Steam Controller to enhance wireless connectivity and charging experience, showcasing innovative engineering and design. Despite concerns about pricing amid the ongoing memory crisis, anticipation for the Steam Machine's release remains high for a plug-and-play PC gaming experience in living rooms.

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MindsEye's sabotage mission is being slammed as dull and pointless

Build A Rocket Boy accuses individuals of sabotaging MindsEye's launch, spending over €1 million on damaging efforts. The studio integrates the controversy into a new in-game mission, Blacklist, to showcase evidence of sabotage to players. However, reports describe the mission as lackluster and failing to deliver a compelling narrative. Critics attribute the launch issues to internal problems, such as management and design decisions, casting doubt on the sabotage claims. The saga continues as MindsEye's post-launch turmoil unfolds.

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Save a huge $400 on this Acer Predator OLED gaming laptop with an RTX 5070 Ti and 32GB DDR5, now under $1,800 — big saving on Helios Neo 16S AI rig that ships with a 24-core Intel CPU, 1TB SSD, and a 240Hz refresh rate

Best Buy is offering a $400 discount on the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI gaming laptop, now priced at $1,799.99. This laptop features an RTX 5070 Ti GPU, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and a 16-inch OLED display with a 240Hz refresh rate. Powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU, it is designed for high-performance gaming and multitasking. The laptop's slim design includes various ports, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, and a 1TB SSD. This deal provides a cost-effective option for gamers seeking top-notch specs in a portable package.

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