Valve has rolled out the latest SteamOS preview update, version 3.6.0, packed with exciting gifts for Steam Deck owners. One of the most notable updates includes a graphics driver update promising “many performance and correctness improvements”. Additionally, the operating system has been migrated to a more recent Arch Linux base, along with an update to the Linux kernel. These updates bring a host of fixes, improvements, and added features that enhance the overall user experience.
Among the many enhancements in the update, Steam Deck owners can now enjoy improved pairing with Apple AirPods, enhanced Bluetooth connection speeds, and better performance and stability in high memory use scenarios. A new feature allows users to wake the device from sleep using Bluetooth devices, adding convenience to the user experience. These updates address common connectivity issues and contribute to a smoother overall performance for Steam Deck users.
The graphics card driver has been updated to Mesa 24.1, promising significant performance improvements according to the release notes. Users have reported smoother frame rates in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, indicating a positive impact on gaming performance. Furthermore, the update introduces display enhancements such as Mura Compensation, designed to improve display uniformity and mitigate the “Mura effect”. Improved display color balance at lower brightness levels enhances visual quality and battery life optimization, providing a more enjoyable viewing experience for users.
In addition to performance enhancements, the update introduces overclocking controls in the BIOS for the Steam Deck LCD, allowing users to push the hardware to its limits. Users can now set the SD card as the default boot device, catering to tinkering enthusiasts who seek customization options. Desktop mode now offers thumbnail previews for videos in the file browser, enhancing the overall user interface experience. The Deck Dock also receives HDMI CEC features, including TV remote input, TV wake up, and TV input switching, adding versatility to the Steam Deck setup. Compatibility fixes for high refresh rate VRR displays further improve the overall user experience.
The update is currently available for those opted into the preview channel, easily accessible through the settings menu to the system panel. Users can select “Preview” from the dropdown box next to “System Update Channel” to activate the update. Steam Deck owners can look forward to a host of quality of life improvements, enhanced compatibility, and a performance boost with the latest SteamOS preview update. While the update is exclusive to Steam Deck hardware for now, it showcases Valve’s commitment to enhancing the user experience for its dedicated community.
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