After stirring up discussions about its capabilities following the announcement of its price and release date, Valve has made a significant update to the Steam Machine's store page. The tech giant now claims that the CPU can deliver "up to" 4K gaming with FSR 4.1, a noticeable shift from their initial claim of "4K gaming at 60 fps with FSR." While Valve's original statement held ground during testing under ideal conditions, it was found that certain games like Death Stranding 2 fell short of the target. In response to these findings, Valve has moderated expectations by emphasizing the potential for "up to 4K gaming" rather than a guaranteed performance. The Steam Machine, while boasting impressive specifications, falls slightly behind the PS5 in terms of power despite its hefty price tag. This new claim aligns with what mainstream consoles can achieve, making it a more realistic expectation. However, during testing, the Steam Machine averaged around 50 fps at 4K on medium-high settings with FSR set to performance mode, falling short compared to the locked 60fps on the base PS5 and Xbox Series X. Dips in performance were also observed, with the console occasionally dropping down to the low 40s and high 30s, while consoles remained consistent. The Steam Machine's $1,049 price tag, coupled with its variable performance, has generated controversy in recent weeks. For casual gamers, mainstream consoles like the PS5 or Xbox Series X may be a more sensible choice, especially if they don't already have a substantial Steam library. The ongoing RAM crisis has further exacerbated the issue, causing even entry-level mini gaming PCs like the Steam Machine to skyrocket in price. Conversely, the Xbox Series X saw yet another price increase today. Despite its limitations, the Steam Machine offers a unique proposition - a gaming PC designed for living room use without compromising on aesthetics. However, for those not seeking such a specific niche product, consoles continue to be the more cost-effective option. Jackie Thomas, the Hardware and Buying Guides Editor at IGN, has extensively covered the intricacies of the PC components market and can be found on Twitter @Jackiecobra.