Valve continues to refine the Steam Deck experience with significant updates to its handheld gaming system. The latest beta updates introduce both performance improvements and battery health features that could extend the lifespan of the device, showing Valve's commitment to supporting its hardware long-term.
Major System Improvements in SteamOS 3.7 Beta
The latest Steam Deck Beta update (v3.7.5) brings a substantial collection of improvements across the entire system. Running on a newer Arch Linux base with Linux kernel 6.11, the update promises better system stability and performance for all users. Mesa graphics drivers have also been updated, which should translate to smoother visuals in both games and desktop applications. The update combines many previous preview and beta improvements into one comprehensive package, making this an ideal time for users who have been waiting for a more substantial update to make the switch.
Key Steam Deck Beta Update Features:
- Updated to Linux kernel 6.11
- Upgraded to Plasma 6.2.5 for Desktop mode
- Added 80% battery charge limit option for battery health
- Improved compatibility with ASUS and Lenovo handheld devices
- Enhanced controller support including Proteus Byowave controller
- Fixed Switch Pro Controller gyro functionality
- Added frame limiting support for VRR displays
- Enabled headset microphone support (Desktop mode only)
- Included KDE Filelight tool for disk usage visualization
Enhanced Desktop Experience with Plasma 6.2.5
One of the most significant changes in this update is the upgrade to Plasma 6.2.5 for Desktop mode. This brings a more modern and refined experience when using the Steam Deck as a portable PC. The desktop environment now feels faster and more stable, with better surround sound support included. Valve has also added KDE Filelight as a default tool, which helps users visualize disk usage and provides notifications when storage space runs low. Issues that previously caused system hangs when switching between Desktop and Game modes have been fixed, and the process of shutting down or switching between modes is now much quicker.
Expanded Hardware Support
The update improves compatibility with non-Steam Deck handheld gaming devices, specifically those from ASUS and Lenovo. Power button support has been added for these alternative devices, and their input handling has been enhanced. For Steam Deck OLED and LCD users, there's now frame limiting support when using variable refresh rate (VRR) displays, both built-in and external. This expanded support demonstrates Valve's interest in making SteamOS a viable platform beyond just its own hardware.
Controller and Bluetooth Enhancements
Controller support continues to improve with this update, including added compatibility for the Proteus Byowave controller and fixes for several input-related issues. The Switch Pro Controller's gyro functionality now works correctly on first connection, and the problem of hanging inputs when exiting Steam has been resolved. On the Bluetooth front, devices will no longer wake the Steam Deck from suspend mode if Bluetooth is disabled, and headset microphone support has been enabled (though currently limited to Desktop mode only).
Battery Health Management
A particularly noteworthy feature being tested in the beta channel is a new battery charge limit option. This setting allows users to cap their Steam Deck's charging at 80% capacity instead of 100%. While this reduces the available battery life for a single session by about 20%, it could significantly extend the overall lifespan of the battery. This feature is especially beneficial for users who frequently keep their Steam Deck plugged in or don't regularly deplete the battery. Battery degradation is a common issue with portable technology, and this preventative measure could help maintain battery health over time.
Bug Fixes and System Stability
The update addresses numerous bugs that have affected the Steam Deck experience. These fixes include resolving problems with sound device names, update errors, slow domain lookups, and out-of-memory crashes. The comprehensive nature of these fixes should result in a more stable and reliable system overall, addressing pain points that users have experienced since previous updates.
Availability and Testing
Currently, these features are available in the Beta and Preview channels of the Steam Deck software. The battery limit feature specifically is only available in the test preview build, suggesting Valve is gathering data before potentially implementing it as a standard feature. Users interested in trying these new features can opt into the Beta channel through their Steam Deck settings, though they should be aware that beta software may contain some instabilities.