Steam is asking desktop players to share anonymized frame-rate data, expanding a system that already shows how games perform on Steam Deck. Valve’s November 11 client update brought the opt-in prompt to the public desktop client, giving PC players a choice about contributing their own results.
A screenshot shared by Deadlock Intel shows the request appearing in Steam. Valve explains the wider rollout in its official client release notes, which list desktop prompting alongside the new Steam Deck performance display.
A Frame Rate Is More Useful Than a Compatibility Badge
Valve’s Steam Deck Framerate announcement describes desktop collection as a step toward offering performance data for more devices. The published results currently come from participating Steam Deck players, with averages and a chart showing the spread of submitted results.
The display became available to everyone on November 11. On a game’s store page, open **Steam Deck Compatibility → Learn more** to see its results.
That gives buyers a useful second question to ask after checking a compatibility badge: does the game run at a frame rate they actually want? Someone content with 30fps can make a different purchase decision from someone who wants 60fps, even when both are looking at the same game on the same handheld.
Valve says the samples use Decks with their default frame limits, while individual players’ graphics settings can vary. The chart shows how often samples land at different frame rates, including the lower results associated with hitches. That is more useful shopping information than treating a green checkmark as the end of the performance discussion.
You Can Change Your Choice Later
The prompt offers **Yes**, **No Thanks** and **Learn More**. Valve’s FAQ also gives a settings route for changing participation: **Steam Account Settings → Data & Browsing → Anonymous Game Framerate Data**.
Desktop players can now contribute to Valve’s effort to expand that information to more devices. Steam Deck owners can already check the average and the spread of results before deciding whether a game earns a place in their library.
Valve official Steam Deck average frame-rate display: Valve.
