In addition to last night’s Steam client beta with Steam Runtime container support for the client and that SteamRT3 client now a 64-bit build, Valve also released a big preview update to the forthcoming SteamOS 3.8. The SteamOS 3.8 preview release brings initial support for Steam Machine hardware, various handheld gaming device support improvements, various other Steam Deck updates, improved compatibility with newer Intel and AMD platforms, and its KDE Plasma desktop is now using Wayland by default.
SteamOS 3.8 Preview brings initial support for the upcoming Steam Machine hardware, an updated Arch Linux base, updated graphics drivers, improved screencasting support in game mode, better VRR frame-pacing, various USB device improvements, and is powered by the Linux 6.16 kernel.
On the handheld side the Bluetooth Wake feature is back on for the Steam Deck LCD, various audio fixes, controller support improvements, fixing an ASUS ROG Ally power consumption issue, fixing GPU hangs with AMD Phoenix APUs, SD card reliability improvements for some third-party handhelds, AMD seamless boot fixes, and more.
On the desktop side, the SteamOS Desktop Mode now uses Wayland by default while X11 support remains available. KDE Plasma 6.4.3 is the desktop now available to replace the existing Plasma 6.2 use. Also exciting with this SteamOS 3.8 Preview is initial support for the LAVD CPU scheduler as well as initial support for SteamOS running as a virtual machine guest with VirtIO drivers.
More details on this big SteamOS 3.8 Preview release via SteamPowered.com.
