SteamOS 3.8 arrives on Preview and expands Steam Machine support

SteamOS 3.8 arrives on the Steam Deck preview channel, bringing initial support for Steam Machine, external HDR/VRR, and improvements for GPUs and handhelds.

SteamOS 3.8: what changes in your setup

Valve released SteamOS 3.8.0 for users on the Steam Deck preview channel, with novelties that mark the first support for Steam Machine and several improvements for external screens, discrete GPUs, and third-party hardware.

Steam Machine Support and the Launch Scenario

The Steam Machine is Valve's desktop future. The launch was scheduled for early 2026 but was postponed due to the GDDR6 memory shortage in the industry. Valve has not yet announced a new release date.

Display and Multi-monitor Updates

SteamOS 3.8.0 now offers HDR and VRR on external monitors, in addition to allowing different scaling factors to be maintained across multiple screens simultaneously. There is also an improvement in the default scaling for TVs and better support for rotated monitors. These changes are especially beneficial for Steam Deck users connected to external monitors, aiming for closer use as a desktop. The update comes with a new version of KDE Plasma, according to Valve, to improve desktop mode performance.

Dedicated GPU Performance

Valve claims to have made significant advances in VRAM management on discrete GPUs. The Steam Machine features an 8 GB dedicated graphics chip based on AMD's RDNA 3.5 architecture. In previous benchmarks, SteamOS lagged behind Windows on systems with dedicated GPUs, especially with 8 GB of VRAM, while performing well in unified memory configurations.

Third-Party Handheld Support

3.8.0 enhances support for accessories such as controllers, power buttons, and SD card slots found in third-party handhelds. Currently, the Lenovo Legion Go S is the only non-Valve device with official SteamOS support, with the Legion Go 2 expected. Valve is also in discussions with Asus, OneXplayer, GPD, Zotac, Anbernic, and other manufacturers regarding compatibility, although without official announcements.

Context with Microsoft

Microsoft plans to respond to Valve's focus on desktops next month with Xbox Mode for Windows 11, offering a controller-friendly interface across all PC formats.

Curious to know more? What did you think of this news? Do you intend to test SteamOS 3.8 on your setup, or are you waiting for future improvements? Leave your opinion in the comments.

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