SteamOS 3.8.0 points to initial Steam Machine support and improvements for Steam Deck

SteamOS 3.8.0 preview brings initial support for Steam Machine, driver updates, and improvements for the Steam Deck, reinforcing preparations for the 2026 hardware line.

Valve released the release notes for the SteamOS 3.8.0 preview, highlighting preparations for the new Steam Machine hardware line and improvements to the Steam Deck. The company maintains the expectation of launching the next generation of devices in 2026.

What the update brings

• Initial support for Steam Machine — signs that the OS is being aligned for the new platform.
• Update to the Arch Linux base, with optimized graphics drivers for performance and stability.
• Bug fixes and usability improvements, including adjustments for video playback, VRR support, and other stability enhancements.
• Firmware and Bluetooth updates for the Steam Deck, with security improvements and compatibility between LCD and OLED.
• Improvements to Desktop mode with KDE Plasma 6.4.x, Wayland by default, and expanded support for HDR, VRR, and per-monitor scaling.
• Compatibility fixes for USB devices and peripherals operating in non-standard modes, including racing wheels.

Non-Deck and system news

• Better compatibility with recent Intel and AMD platforms, with memory management for discrete GPUs.
• Boot fixes on desktops with UEFI firmware and issues with the SteamOS loader.
• Support for short-range and long-range power buttons for a variety of devices.
• Expansion of controller support for brands like OneXPlayer, GPD, and Lenovo Legion Go, among others.
• Initial support for running SteamOS as a virtual machine (VM) via virtio drivers.
• Firmware updates for Steam devices and controllers for better integration.

For developers

• Desktop Mode now uses Wayland by default; X11 can be enabled via settings or steamosctl.
• Linux kernel updated to 6.16.
• Steam now uses steamos-manager to manage desktop sessions.
• Support for setting the desktop password in developer options.
• First support for running SteamOS as a guest in a VM (virtio).
• Support for triggering the boot menu via EFI with third-party devices.
• atomupd-manager command available to facilitate testing of specific builds.
• System reports now include more audio information for diagnostics.
• First support for the lavd CPU scheduler via steamosctl set-cpu-scheduler lavd.

Are you excited about the possible arrival of the new Steam Machine line in 2026? Share your opinion in the comments and tell us how you plan to use SteamOS 3.8.0 with the Deck and future hardware.

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