SteamOS 3.8 Update Boosts Performance and Controller Support
▼ Summary
– Valve has not confirmed a release date for its Steam Machine, delayed by a memory crisis, but a new SteamOS update suggests a release is on track for later this year.
– The SteamOS 3.8.0 preview update introduces initial support for the upcoming Steam Machine hardware and includes performance and feature improvements for existing devices like the Steam Deck.
– Key update features include an updated graphics driver, Bluetooth headset mic support, and reduced input latency for handheld controllers alongside improved support for several third-party devices.
– Desktop Mode receives upgrades like improved TV scaling and support for external HDR/VRR displays, which are seen as potentially crucial for the Steam Machine.
– System-level improvements for the Steam Deck include a new “Memory Power Down” option to save battery and preliminary support for a power-saving hibernation feature.
While Valve has not announced a final release date for its upcoming Steam Machine console, a significant software update suggests development is progressing. The newly released SteamOS 3.8.0 preview includes “initial support for upcoming Steam Machine hardware,” signaling that foundational work is advancing. This update delivers a suite of performance enhancements and new features for current devices like the Steam Deck and compatible third-party handhelds, while also laying important groundwork for the future console.
Users must manually opt into this preview update by switching their system update channel from Stable to Preview in the settings. The release notes detail numerous improvements, starting with an updated graphics driver aimed at boosting overall system performance and stability. New audio options allow the use of Bluetooth headset microphones, and support for streaming and recording software like OBS and Discord has been enhanced.
A major focus of this update is on controller support and latency. Input latency for handheld controllers has been reduced, and compatibility is improved for several devices including the OneXPlayer F1 series, GPD Win 5, GPD Win Mini, Anbernic Win600, OrangePi NEO, and Lenovo Legion Go. The update also adds initial controller support for the OneXPlayer X1 series and the Lenovo Legion Go 2.
The Desktop Mode experience receives substantial upgrades that may prove crucial for a living room device. These include better scaling for television displays, support for external HDR and VRR monitors, and new per-display scaling options. Valve has also refined window handling for games running through Proton and synchronized keyboard layouts and language settings between Desktop and Game Mode.
For Steam Deck owners, several system-level tweaks aim to improve efficiency. A new Memory Power Down setting helps lower power consumption during idle periods, which can extend battery life. The update also introduces preliminary system hibernation support, a frequently requested feature that saves the device’s state to storage and powers it completely off, offering better battery preservation than standard sleep mode. Additionally, Bluetooth Wake functionality has been re-enabled for the Steam Deck LCD model, allowing the device to be woken using a paired controller.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware UK)
