New SteamOS Preview Update Adds Initial Steam Machine Support and Steam Deck Upgrades
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
The latest SteamOS 3.8.0 preview update introduces early support for the upcoming Steam Machine and rolls out highly requested power, Bluetooth, and performance upgrades for Steam Deck users.
Valve is pushing the envelope for portable and living room gaming once again. According to a recent report by Rock Paper Shotgun, the newly released SteamOS 3.8.0 update is currently live on the Preview branch, bringing initial support for Valve's rumored Steam Machine hardware alongside a massive feature drop for the Steam Deck. While mentions of the reborn living room PC box are brief in the patch notes, it is a clear sign that hardware developments are moving forward behind the scenes despite previous release date uncertainties.
For current handheld players, the update introduces several quality of life improvements that solve long standing hardware complaints. Most notably, preliminary hibernation support and a new Memory Power Down option are rolling out for the original LCD Steam Deck. If this feature functions like a traditional laptop hibernation mode, it will finally put an end to the frustrating experience of picking up a handheld only to find the battery completely drained by standard sleep mode. The patch also brings better frame pacing with Variable Refresh Rate technology, improved graphics drivers, and broader optimization for non Valve handheld PCs entering the ecosystem.
Additional upgrades target connectivity and streaming setups, making it easier to integrate the handheld into a broader home entertainment station. Bluetooth wake capabilities are back for the LCD model, allowing players to wake docked consoles using a remote control from the couch, alongside new settings to natively support microphones on connected Bluetooth headsets. If you want to test these features early, you can switch your OS Update Channel to the Preview branch through your system settings, though early adopters should watch out for a known bug that occasionally routes users to the Beta branch instead.
Original reporting and detailed patch note breakdowns can be found over at Rock Paper Shotgun.
Tags: Steam Deck, SteamOS, Valve, PC Gaming, Hardware
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun