Valve has released a hefty new update for the Steam Deck, bringing a long list of improvements, bug fixes, and a few new features designed to make the popular handheld easier to use. The good news is that the update has been rolled out for the stable channel, meaning it is available to all Steam Deck users without needing to switch to beta or preview builds.

It’s packed full of changes which we’ve previously seen rolling out in the more bleeding-edge channels, but if you like to stick to the reliable (default) stable channel, then now’s the time to update. While Valve technically classes this as a ‘small update’, there’s a fair amount of content being added – and it’s all new to users who stick to the stable version.

What does the latest Steam Deck update offer? 

General

• Added notification settings for showing a toast and playing a sound when an achievement is unlocked.
• Merged lockscreen options ‘On system wake and power up’ and ‘Before login screen’. Enabling the lockscreen to display ‘On system wake and power up’ will show the lockscreen during login.
• Fixed a bug that could result in Proton games showing up as “Not valid on current platform” for users with very large libraries.
• Fixed intermittent error in downloads view when moving game entries between scheduled and queued sections.
• Added the option to attach hardware specs when writing or updating a Steam User Review on a game’s store page.
• Added the option to provide anonymized framerate data. When enabled Steam will collect gameplay framerate data, stored without connection to your Steam account but identified with the kind of hardware you are playing on. This data will help us learn about game compatibility and improve Steam. This feature is currently in Beta with a focus on devices running SteamOS.
• When submitting feedback on whether you agree with a Deck Verified rating, if you disagree we’ll now ask for the reason. Providing a reason is optional.
• Display the highest resolution capsule image available for the featured game in the Recent Games carousel when online.
• Fixed an issue that could make the currently selected element rapidly gain and lose focus which could also result in gamepad inputs being ignored.
• Fixed an issue that made it impossible to install some games if you have a large game library.
• Fixed an issue that prevented your selected keyboard theme from applying while in offline mode.
• Fixed an issue that could cause the gaming mode footer to flicker or disappear.
• Installed demos that are no longer playable now show “Uninstall” instead of “Play” as their primary action.
• Newly added demos and free to play games will appear at the top of the recent games list.

Accessibility

• Various fixes for high contrast mode.

Chat

• Updated the /store command so that it now uses the new Store trailer player.

Desktop Mode

• Added a warning dialog when a user selects “Tools” in their library filter for the first time that explains what tools are and why they are showing up in the game list.
• Added an icon on tools in the game list with a tooltip to explain what they are.

Steam Families

• Improved setting layout and navigation on desktop, deck and mobile devices.

Remote Play

• Fixed hover behavior when using a tablet stylus.

Steam Input

• Fixed a bug in Gyro To Joystick Deflection mode where a setting of 0 for Minimum Gyro Deflection, and any non zero Minimum Joystick Output would still result in zero output without a significant amount of gyro deflection. This should help gyro users to dial in games’ internal joystick dead zone size more easily.
• Added option to apply Gyro to Joystick Deflection range remapping and acceleration settings on an Per-Axis or Circular basis.
• Fixed an issue with Switch Pro Controller Home LEDs turning on when disabled.
• Fix a case where ABXY button options could be missing from configs.
• Improved input latency while controller rumble is happening on third party controllers.
• Button Chord Activator’s drop down list of available buttons has been replaced with a multi button selector. This means that newer controllers have full access to extra grip buttons that were previously unlisted.
• Gyro to Joystick Camera’s Minimum Joystick Output now matches Gyro to Joystick Deflection’s behavior, which is useful for identifying a game’s internal joystick deadzone.
• Fixed action set information being cut off in the configuration edit page.
• Added missing buttons to Mode Shift Button selection menu: Left Stick Touch and Right Stick Touch.

Source: Steam Community

Highlights

One of the most noticeable additions in this update is improved achievement notifications. Players can now choose whether they want to see a pop-up notification or hear a sound when they unlock an achievement. This gives users more control over how they receive alerts while playing.

Valve has also introduced a new optional data collection feature that gathers anonymized frame rate information during gameplay. When enabled, Steam will collect performance data that is not linked to a user’s Steam account. Instead, the data is associated only with the type of hardware being used. Valve says this will help the company better understand how games run on different systems and improve compatibility, especially for devices running SteamOS like the Steam Deck.

Another useful addition is the ability to attach hardware specifications when writing or updating a Steam review. This allows other users to see what kind of hardware the reviewer was using, which can help players better judge how well a game might run on their own systems.

The update also fixes several bugs that affected users with very large game libraries. Some players previously encountered issues where Proton games would incorrectly appear as “Not valid on current platform.” Valve has also resolved problems that could prevent certain games from installing if a user has a massive library.

Several interface and usability improvements are included as well. Newly installed demos and free-to-play titles will now appear at the top of the Recent Games list, making them easier to find. Valve has also fixed an issue where the gaming mode footer could flicker or disappear, and another problem where the selected interface element could rapidly gain and lose focus.

The update also brings improvements to Steam Input, including better gyro control options and reduced latency for third-party controllers during rumble effects. Valve has also expanded controller configuration tools so newer controllers with additional buttons are properly supported.

About the Author

Abdul Haddi

Abdul is a tech writer and Editor for PC Guide, specializing in all things tech, gaming, and hardware.