The latest MAKO 5.0 update introduces a major improvement for Steam Deck users by bringing native frame generation to the popular plugin for the first time. With its new MAKO FG technology, users can now generate additional frames without purchasing the paid Lossless Scaling software.
MAKO is a plugin available on GitHub for Steam Deck and Linux systems. Managed through Decky Loader, it provides several gaming enhancements, including frame generation, image scaling and shader effects. Previously, users who wanted to access frame generation through MAKO had to install and purchase Lossless Scaling separately. Version 5.0 changes that by introducing MAKO FG, the plugin’s own frame generation solution.
Frame generation works by creating artificial intermediate frames between those rendered by a game. This makes movement appear smoother, particularly when playing games at lower frame rates. However, generating additional frames does not increase the game’s actual rendering performance. Input responsiveness remains tied to the original frame rate, meaning players may still experience input lag and visual artifacts when performance fluctuates or drops significantly.
MAKO FG includes several operating modes, including Quality, Balanced and Performance. Each mode determines how frequently the system analyzes image movement and generates new frames. Quality prioritizes visual consistency, while Performance reduces processing overhead at the potential cost of additional visual artifacts, particularly during fast-paced gameplay. Users may need to experiment with different settings to find the right balance.
Promising Performance Figures, but Real-World Results Remain Uncertain
Initial performance measurements published by the developer suggest that MAKO FG could deliver encouraging results. According to the developer’s benchmarks, the technology required just 0.55 milliseconds per frame pair when running at 1280 × 800 resolution with 2x frame generation on an AMD GPU comparable to the one expected in the Steam Machine.
However, the same testing also revealed some visual artifacts during a demanding staircase test. More importantly, these measurements do not establish how efficiently MAKO FG will operate on the Steam Deck’s hardware. Performance could vary depending on the game, GPU workload and selected frame generation mode.
Early reactions from the Steam Deck community have also been mixed. Some users on Reddit report noticeably smoother gameplay with minimal ghosting, while others mention increased input latency and argue that a displayed 60 FPS does not necessarily feel like native 60 FPS gameplay.
Despite these limitations, MAKO 5.0 represents an important development for Steam Deck users. Having a built-in frame generation solution removes the additional software purchase previously required by MAKO. Its actual usefulness, however, will depend on how well the technology performs across different games and whether future updates can further reduce latency and visual artifacts.
