Valve SteamOS 3.8 beta with handheld, VR and VR-ready updates

Display and graphics improvements

A large part of this update deals with how the operating system handles external displays. The introduction of preliminary support for VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) over HDMI allows for smoother gameplay on compatible monitors. In addition, Valve has refined the graphics pipeline to reduce stuttering and improve the stability of the handheld's native screen when switching modes.

Hardware and controller integration

The beta expands the list of supported peripherals and improves input latency and mapping for a wider range of third-party controllers. For those using the Steam Deck, the update includes updated firmware to improve power efficiency and thermal management under heavy load.

Optimizations at system level

Under the hood, the transition to a newer kernel version brings better driver support for current AMD and NVIDIA hardware. The switch to Wayland as the default session manager continues, providing a more stable multitasking experience and reduced screen tearing compared to the previous X11 environment.

Compatibility and virtualization

To increase developer flexibility, the 3.8 beta includes improved virtualization hooks that make it easier to run SteamOS in virtual machine environments. This is coupled with an updated set of system libraries to ensure better compatibility with a wider range of Linux-native applications.

Changelog for SteamOS in 3.8.6

• Fixed an issue where "Allow Tearing" wouldn't have the intended effect in certain configurations
• Added preliminary support for HDMI VRR for devices with native HDMI output
• Fixed an issue where video output could become frozen while using Remote Play
• Fixed a possible session crash when using Game Recording with certain "Maximum video height" settings
• Fixed a regression with previous 3.8 builds where the "New!" badge would be incorrectly placed in Desktop Mode launcher entries
• Fixed an issue on certain TCL TVs where the display may remain blank using the Steam Deck Dock
• Add controller support for MSI Claw devices (A1M, 7 AI+ A2VM, 8 AI+ A2VM, A8 BZ2EM)
• Add controller support for OneXPlayer APEX and X1 series.
• Improved gyro response for devices that use AccelGyro3D (Legion Go 1, Claw A1M)
• Fixed a system crash on international Asus ROG Xbox Ally models

General

• Fixed a case where WiFi performance could become degraded until the device was put to sleep or manually reconnected
• Fixed excessive trackpad sensitivity on certain early Steam Deck LCD models
• Fixed a bug on Steam Deck OLED where rebooting would occasionally cause a loss of speaker output until rebooted again
• Initial support for upcoming Steam Machine hardware
• Added support for waking from sleep via connected Steam Controller
• Updated Arch system base
• Updated graphics driver with performance and stability fixes
• Fixed a case where per-app performance settings would intermittently fail to apply when launching a game
• Substantially improved speed of future OS updates on high-speed connections
• Improved support for the screencasts in Game Mode (e.g. OBS/Discord)
• Fixed dropdown menus not appearing in some games
• Improved VRR frame pacing
• Fixed FSR badge remaining off in the performance overlay, even if it was actually active
• Improved support for games that attempt to open PDF files in external viewers
• Added missing graphics features needed for titles such as "Crimson Desert"
• Fixed an issue affecting certain titles (such as "SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide") where the game window could have an incorrect position
• Fixed closing certain titles (such as "STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor™") and Starfield resulting in a session crash
• Improved support for certain USB racing wheels and USB devices that boot in a non-standard mode
• Frequently these are devices that appear as USB storage devices with a driver installer, and must be switched to their normal mode by the OS
• Steam Deck controller firmware updates now display update progress on the splash screen
• Fixes issue on specific Steam Deck revisions where firmware updates could render the left controller inoperative for that session
• Fixes for experimental nested desktop mode
• Numerous stability and security updates

Bluetooth

• Re-re-enable Bluetooth Wake for Steam Deck LCD
• Fix for more spurious wake issues that were present in earlier attempts

Audio

• Detect HDMI channel count and expose surround configuration if available
• Add a setting to allow using Bluetooth headset mics (Bluetooth playback quality will be worse while capture is active)
• Restore internal audio device on reboot if set to "Off" in desktop mode
• Increase suspend timeout for HDMI devices so initial audio isn't cut off after a few seconds of inactivity
• Fixed a bug with switching input devices when a wired headset is plugged in
• Fixed an issue where audio underruns could be experienced after sleep/resume

Accessibility

• Added an option to force mono audio output