Steam Deck users can now experiment with frame generation without purchasing additional software. The latest MAKO 5.0 update introduces MAKO FG, the plugin’s own frame generation solution, removing its previous reliance on the paid Lossless Scaling application.
The update is particularly interesting for Steam Deck and Linux gamers looking for ways to improve perceived gaming smoothness without spending extra money. However, while the developer’s initial benchmarks look promising, real-world performance still needs further testing.
MAKO 5.0 Introduces Its Own Frame Generation Technology
MAKO is a plugin available for Steam Deck and Linux that can be managed through Decky Loader. It offers several gaming enhancements, including frame generation, image scaling and shader effects.
Previously, MAKO relied on the frame generation model from Lossless Scaling. This meant users had to purchase and install the software separately to access the feature.
MAKO 5.0 changes that with the introduction of MAKO FG.
The new implementation provides its own frame generation solution, allowing users to access the feature without purchasing Lossless Scaling.
You can find the latest version on the official MAKO GitHub release page.
How Does MAKO FG Work?
Frame generation works by creating artificial intermediate frames between the frames actually rendered by a game.
These additional frames are inserted into the displayed output, making movement appear smoother. This can be particularly useful when a game struggles to maintain a consistently high frame rate.
However, there is an important limitation that users should understand.
Frame generation does not make the game itself run faster.
The actual rendering performance remains unchanged, while input responsiveness still depends on the frame rate the game originally achieves.
For example, a game displaying 60 FPS through frame generation does not necessarily offer the same responsiveness as a game rendering 60 genuine frames per second.
When the original frame rate is low or fluctuates significantly, users may encounter increased input lag and visual artifacts.
This is why frame generation requires some experimentation rather than simply enabling the highest available setting.
Quality, Balanced and Performance Modes
MAKO FG includes three operating modes designed to provide different balances between processing overhead and visual quality.
| Mode | Main focus |
|---|---|
| Quality | Prioritizes image analysis and frame generation quality |
| Balanced | Offers a middle ground between processing overhead and visual quality |
| Performance | Reduces processing overhead |
These modes determine how frequently motion in the image is fully analyzed and new frames are generated.
Higher-performance modes reduce processing overhead but may become more susceptible to visual artifacts, especially during fast movement.
The best setting will likely depend on the game being played and the performance the Steam Deck can maintain.
Developer Benchmarks Show Promising Results
Although MAKO’s native frame generation technology is still new, the developer has already published some encouraging performance measurements.
According to the official MAKO FG model card, the technology required just 0.55 milliseconds per frame pair during testing at 1280 × 800 resolution with 2x frame generation.
The benchmark was conducted on an AMD GPU comparable to the one used in the Steam Machine.
Benchmark Highlights
| Test parameter | Result |
|---|---|
| Processing time | 0.55 ms per frame pair |
| Resolution | 1280 × 800 |
| Frame generation | 2x |
| Test hardware | AMD GPU comparable to Steam Machine hardware |
These results suggest that MAKO FG could have relatively low processing overhead under the tested conditions.
However, the benchmark also revealed some visual artifacts during a demanding staircase test.
More importantly, these measurements do not establish how efficiently the technology performs on the Steam Deck itself. Performance could vary depending on the game, GPU workload and selected frame generation mode.
Early User Experiences Are Mixed
Despite the promising developer benchmarks, early community feedback suggests that MAKO FG still has some limitations.
Initial impressions shared on Reddit have been mixed.
Some users report smoother gameplay with minimal ghosting, while others complain about noticeable input lag.
Another concern is that a displayed 60 FPS does not necessarily feel like genuine 60 FPS gameplay.
This is an important limitation of frame generation technology. Additional frames can improve perceived smoothness, but they cannot completely eliminate the responsiveness limitations associated with a low underlying frame rate.
As a result, users should not judge the technology solely by the FPS counter.
Is MAKO 5.0 Worth Trying on Steam Deck?
MAKO 5.0 is an interesting development for Steam Deck owners, particularly those who previously relied on Lossless Scaling to access frame generation through the plugin.
Its biggest advantage is straightforward: users can now experiment with MAKO’s own frame generation solution without purchasing additional software.
However, expectations should remain realistic. Input latency, visual artifacts and the game’s original frame rate will continue to influence the overall experience.
The developer’s initial benchmarks are encouraging, but more testing across different games and Steam Deck configurations is needed before drawing firm conclusions about its performance.
For now, MAKO 5.0 represents a promising step towards making frame generation more accessible to handheld PC gamers. Whether MAKO FG becomes a genuinely useful alternative to the previous Lossless Scaling-based implementation will ultimately depend on its real-world performance and how well future updates address its remaining limitations.
