This free Steam Deck plugin adds better upscaling and frame generation to lots of games

The Steam Deck has long been a popular handheld gaming device thanks to its affordability and the SteamOS platform. Yet its hardware, while impressive for the price, can struggle with demanding AAA titles at smooth frame rates. A new free plugin for Decky Loader called FrameGen offers Steam Deck users a way to boost performance by using upscaling and frame generation for a growing list of games.

How FrameGen works on the Steam Deck

FrameGen converts DLSS frame generation to FSR 3 frame generation

FrameGen works by replacing a game’s native NVIDIA DLSS frame generation module with AMD’s FSR. Unlike DLSS, which requires specific NVIDIA hardware, FSR is an open standard compatible with many devices, including the Steam Deck’s AMD-based hardware. This replacement means games that support DLSS frame generation but lack the FSR options can now benefit from FSR’s upscaling and frame generation, often doubling frame rates in some cases. For example, Plague Tale Requiem sees its rendering mode switch from DLSS super resolution to FSR 3 frame generation, resulting in much higher framerates and a smoother experience on the Steam Deck.

In addition to generating extra frames, FrameGen also taps into AMD’s FSR 3 upscaling technology to enhance image quality, even when games are rendered at lower resolutions for better performance. This results in both smoother animation and crisp visuals, avoiding the typical trade-offs like blurring or pixel artifacts seen with other upscaling methods. Steam Deck users can adjust the sharpness of the upscaling to fine-tune the experience, allowing them to prioritize either performance or clarity based on their preferences.

Benefits and performance improvements

Why FrameGen can breathe new life into demanding games

FrameGen’s primary advantage is the substantial increase in frame rates it brings to supported titles. Many demanding AAA games typically hover around 30 to 40 FPS on the Steam Deck, so doubling that output significantly improves responsiveness and gameplay feel. Titles like Hogwarts Legacy benefit from smoother motion through frame generation and added features such as adjustable upscale sharpness and the option for 2x frame generation. These enhancements contribute to better visual detail and smoother motion. The impact is even more pronounced on the Steam Deck OLED, where the 90Hz display allows players to fully appreciate the improved frame pacing and overall fluidity.

With FrameGen, the Steam Deck can now run a wider array of demanding games with better performance than before. This plugin extends the device’s lifespan by enabling it to compete with newer gaming handhelds through software rather than hardware upgrades. Players can enjoy improved frame rates in titles that previously struggled, such as Hogwarts Legacy or Final Fantasy XVI, making the experience more enjoyable on the go. FrameGen represents an exciting step forward for Steam Deck users who want to push their device beyond its default limits without waiting for next-generation hardware.

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Limitations and potential drawbacks

Frame generation trade-offs to consider

While FrameGen offers great performance gains, it is not without drawbacks. The mod only works with games running on DirectX 12 and can introduce increased input latency because the actual game still runs at the native frame rate while the mod generates extra frames. This may result in slightly less responsive controls during gameplay. Additionally, visual artifacts such as ghosting can possibly appear, especially in games with detailed foliage or fast-moving elements. These side effects vary by title and not all games are susceptible to them, but the mod can be disabled easily by turning off DLSS frame generation in game settings or uninstalling the FG mod via the FrameGen interface.

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A new lease on life for the Steam Deck’s game library

FrameGen is an innovative and free plugin that significantly improves the Steam Deck’s ability to run demanding games smoothly. Replacing NVIDIA’s DLSS frame generation with AMD’s FSR opens the door to higher frame rates and better upscaling on titles that previously had limited support. While it comes with some trade-offs in input latency and occasional visual artifacts, the extra performance makes it a valuable addition for Steam Deck owners. As community tools like FrameGen evolve, the Steam Deck continues to hold its place as a top handheld gaming device with extended longevity.

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  Dimensions

  11.7 x 4.6 x 1.9 inches (298 x 117 x 49mm)

  Brand

  Valve

  Weight

  1.48 pounds (669 grams)

  Chipset

  Custom AMD Zen 2-based processor (4 cores, 8 threads, up to 3.5GHz)

  RAM

  16GB LPDDR5 5600MHz

  Storage

  Up to 512GB M.2 2230 SSD

  Valve’s first portable gaming PC, the Steam Deck, is one of the coolest handheld gaming consoles on the market, with a huge library of games to play and the ability to take them on the go.

  
  

• 

  Dimensions

  11.7 x 4.6 x 1.9 inches (298mm x 117mm x 49mm)

  Brand

  Valve

  Weight

  1.41 pounds (640 grams)

  Chipset

  Custom AMD Zen 2 APU (4 cores/8 threads, up to 3.5GHz boost)

  RAM

  16GB LPDDR5 6400MT/s

  Storage

  512GB or 1TB NVMe SSD, microSD card slot

  Valve’s upgraded Steam Deck features a larger OLED display with HDR support, faster Wi-Fi, and a bigger battery. Plus, this new model is slightly lighter, has slightly faster RAM, and it comes with storage up to 1TB. If you’re looking for the ultimate Steam Deck, this is the version for you.