SteamOS 3.8 Update Expands Support for Handheld PCs and Steam Machine

Valve has released SteamOS 3.8.0 in preview, bringing significant updates and expanded compatibility for handheld gaming PCs, including the Asus ROG Ally, and laying the groundwork for the upcoming Steam Machine. The update introduces long-awaited features like hibernation mode for the Steam Deck and improved Bluetooth support, alongside a host of enhancements for various devices.

Hibernation and Power Management Improvements

A key addition is genuine hibernation and “memory power down” modes for the Steam Deck LCD model. This feature aims to extend battery life when the device is idle, addressing a previous limitation where the Steam Deck’s instant-on sleep mode consumed more power compared to Windows machines that self-hibernate The Verge.

The update also allows users to change processor power modes on the Xbox Ally, and enables night mode and screen color settings on AMD Z2 Extreme handhelds.

Enhanced Audio and Display Capabilities

SteamOS 3.8 introduces improved audio detection for home entertainment systems, automatically identifying the number of audio channels over HDMI to enable surround sound. The update includes desktop HDR, VRR display support, and per-display scaling for Steam Machines and devices connected to TVs or monitors The Verge.

Broader Device Compatibility

Beyond the Steam Deck, the update significantly expands support for other handheld gaming PCs. This includes the Asus ROG Ally series, Lenovo Legion Go 2, OneXPlayer X1, and devices from MSI, GPD, Anbernic, OrangePi, and Zotac The Verge.

Improvements have also been made for specific devices, such as improved video memory management for discrete GPU platforms, battery charge limiting for Lenovo Legion Go handhelds in desktop mode, and color correction for Zotac and OneXPlayer OLED handhelds.

Steam Machine Support and Desktop Enhancements

Notably, this is the first release to support the upcoming Steam Machine living room gaming PC. The update incorporates improvements to the Linux desktop modes, including an upgrade to KDE Plasma 6.4.3, which will be beneficial for Steam Machines connected to TVs or monitors The Verge.

General Improvements

A long-press of the power button should now function across a wide variety of devices to power off, restart, or switch to desktop mode. Bluetooth headset microphones are now supported in gaming mode, a feature previously available only in Linux desktop mode The Verge. Bluetooth Wake has also been re-enabled for the Steam Deck LCD.

Price Increases Impact Hardware Availability

Recent hardware price increases, particularly for RAM due to demand from the AI industry, may impact the cost and availability of gaming hardware, including Valve’s Steam Machine GamingBible. The ROG Xbox Ally X in Japan has already seen a price increase of approximately $195 GamingBible.