SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview: More than just an update – Valve polishes up the deck

Valve has once again worked on SteamOS and released a preview version 3.7.0, which goes by the name of “Pi Day”. In addition to a fresher Arch Linux base, there is now kernel 6.11, an upgrade to KDE Plasma 6.2.5 and some interesting detail improvements. Anyone who thought the Steam Deck was purely a handheld console will now be served up an almost fully-fledged desktop experience.

Arch Linux and kernel update: more than just version shopping

Probably the most important change is the update to kernel 6.11. This not only brings better hardware support and performance optimizations, but also a series of security updates. At the same time, there is a new Arch base, which mainly speaks for more up-to-date software packages and longer-term maintenance. Will this make the deck feel faster? Probably not – but the system will benefit in the long term.

KDE Plasma 6.2.5: Finally a usable desktop mode?

Until now, the desktop mode of the Steam Deck was more of a stopgap solution for hobbyists and experimenters. This could change with Plasma 6.2.5. KDE Plasma 6 was originally introduced in February last year, is based on Qt 6 and comes with a whole load of optimizations for modern hardware. The user interface now looks tidier and is better suited to the concept of a portable mini PC. Will this be enough to turn the deck into a real laptop replacement? Probably not quite, but it is a step in the right direction.

SteamOS for other handhelds: first steps

There has been speculation for some time that Valve could also release SteamOS for other devices. Version 3.7.0 is the first concrete sign of this. At least the Lenovo Legion Go S is currently supported – nothing has yet been confirmed for other devices. But one thing is clear: Valve is testing the waters here and could establish a serious alternative to Windows on gaming handhelds in the medium term.

Smaller but subtle improvements

In addition to the major updates, there is a whole range of detailed improvements:

• Updated Mesa graphics drivers for more stable performance
• Better surround sound support in desktop mode
• Faster switching between desktop and gaming mode
• Bug fixes for frozen desktop sessions
• Improved compatibility with external displays
• Activation of AMD P-State control for more efficient CPU clocking

All in all, a decent package that should please those who use the Steam Deck as more than just a gaming machine.

And what about SteamOS for the desktop?

Rumors about an official desktop version of SteamOS have been circulating for some time. As usual, Valve is keeping a low profile, but there are increasing signs that this could happen at some point. If this happens, it could be an interesting alternative for anyone who wants a gaming operating system without Microsoft baggage. The SteamOS 3.7.0 preview update can be activated via Settings > System > System Update Channel. As this is a pre-release version, you should be prepared for possible bugs – Valve will certainly make improvements before the final release.

Source: Steam