Now’s the time to update: latest Steam Deck Beta update comes with a long list of improvements
Table of Contents
Valve has released a new Steam Deck Beta update, and it brings a long list of improvements and fixes across the system. This update is part of the SteamOS 3.7 rollout and is now live for those in the Beta and Preview channels. Valve has also shared the full patch notes, which give us a closer look at what this latest update offers.
This v3.7.5 Beta update essentially puts together many of the improvements seen in previous preview and beta updates into one package. So if you’ve been waiting for a bigger update to come along, now’s the time to pounce. Changes include support for ASUS and Lenovo handhelds, plus another fix to these non-Steam Deck devices.
What does the update offer?
Here are the major changes and improvements included in the update:
System changes
The biggest change in this update is that the Steam Deck is now running on a newer Arch Linux base, and the Linux kernel has been updated to version 6.11. These changes bring better system stability and performance. The Mesa graphics drivers have also been updated, which can help with smoother visuals in games and desktop tasks. And for those using the Steam Deck in Desktop mode, there's a major upgrade to Plasma 6.2.5, offering a more modern and refined experience.
This update also improves the compatibility with other handheld gaming devices, such as those from Asus and Lenovo. Power button support has been added for these devices, and their input handling has been improved. For Steam Deck OLED and LCD users, there's now frame limiting support when using VRR displays, both built-in and external.
Controller and Bluetooth
The update adds support for the Proteus Byowave controller and fixes several issues with controller input. For example, the Switch Pro Controller gyro now works correctly on first connection, and there are no more hanging inputs when exiting Steam. On the Bluetooth side, devices no longer wake the Steam Deck from suspend if Bluetooth is disabled. Valve has also enabled headset mic support, though it's currently only usable in Desktop mode.
Desktop Mode
With the shift to Plasma 6.2.5, Desktop mode now feels faster and more stable. There’s better surround sound support, and a new tool called KDE Filelight is now included by default. It helps visualize disk usage and notifies you when you’re running low on storage. Issues like system hangs when switching between Desktop and Game mode have also been fixed, and shutting down or switching modes is now much quicker.
This update fixes a long list of bugs, including problems with sound device names, update errors, slow domain lookups, and out-of-memory crashes. For a full list of changes, you can check out the official patch notes shared by Valve.
About the Author