Valve has released the SteamOS 3.8.0 Preview update to the test channel, bringing initial support for the hardware of the future Steam Machine. The release includes updating KDE Plasma to 6.4.3, kernel Linux 6.16 and improvements in compatibility with various portable devices. Usuários of Steam Deck and third-party handhelds such as Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally receive performance and stability fixes. The update focuses on expanding the SteamOS ecosystem beyond the Steam Deck.
The update comes at a time when Valve seeks to increase the adoption of SteamOS on a variety of hardware. The addition of preliminary support for the Steam Machine sets the stage for the launch of the living room device. Melhorias in VRR and power management also benefit players using external screens or economy modes.
Expanded support for third-party handhelds
Compatibility has been significantly strengthened for devices not manufactured by Valve. Modelos like Lenovo Legion Go, Legion Go S and Legion Go 2 now support control, TDP and firmware updates.
OneXPlayer, GPD Win and ASUS ROG Ally series devices receive adjustments to controls, input latency and video management. Reducing controller input latency from 5-8 ms to 100-500 µs improves gaming responsiveness.
Other brands, including MSI Claw, Anbernic Win600 and OrangePi NEO, gain improved controller and SD card support. Correções prevents GPU crashes on specific AMD APUs and resolves washed out colors on OLED screens on some models.
Advances in desktop mode and interface
Desktop mode migrated to KDE Plasma 6.4.3 by default, adopting Wayland by default. Isso fixes lower performance cases compared to Game Mode and adds support for external displays with HDR and VRR.
Tweaks include better scaling on TVs, support for per-display scaling factors and surround audio configuration via HDMI. Usuários gain the option to force mono audio and use the Bluetooth headset microphone, even with reduced playback quality.
The updated kernel to 6.16 brings general stability and security. Suporte preliminary hibernation appears as a feature under testing, along with load limit options on selected handhelds.
Specific improvements to Steam Deck
For the Steam Deck LCD, the Bluetooth Wake has been re-enabled with fixes for spurious wake-ups. Controller firmware Atualizações shows progress on the home screen and prevents failures at specific revisions.
Performance overlay corrects FSR display when active. Problemas with window positioning in specific games, such as SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide, has been resolved. Fechamento of titles such as STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor and Starfield no longer cause session crashes.
USB devices, such as racing wheels, receive improved support for non-standard modes. Configurações of performance per app applies consistently when launching games.
Preparing for Steam Machine and beyond
Initial support for the Steam Machine represents a strategic step by the Valve to offer options beyond the portable. Atualizações in BIOS for Steam Deck LCD and OLED include security fixes and Memory Power Down option.
Recent Intel and AMD platforms gain improved video memory management on discrete GPUs. Correções prevent boot failures on desktop systems with modern UEFI. The power button works on a wide variety of devices.
- RGB support on Lenovo Legion Go 2 controls.
- Preliminary load limit at Desktop Mode for Legion Go series.
- Audio and TDP support for ASUS ROG Xbox Ally.
- Night mode and color adjustments on AMD Z2E and higher APUs.
The update is available on Steam Deck channel Preview. Usuários need to opt-in to the channel and enable advanced channels in developer settings to avoid known auto-opt-in issues.