Valve announced the stable update of Steam OS 3.7.8, a version that has been in development for months and is now available for installation on the Stable channel. This update represents a significant improvement in the user experience for both Steam Deck users and those who own other gaming devices with AMD hardware. The company is thus responding to the demand for greater compatibility and functionality in the portable environment.
Among the most notable new features, SteamOS 3.7.8 incorporates the kernel Linux 6.11 and updates the system base to the latest version of Arch Linux. These improvements boost stability, security, and performance, while ensuring better support for Radeon GPUs through the updated Mesa packages. In addition, desktop mode makes the jump to KDE Plasma 6.2.5, offering a much more modern, agile and visually attractive interface compared to previous versions.
Expanded support for more AMD devices
The big headline of this update is that SteamOS 3.7.8 finally offers Official support for the Lenovo Legion Go S. This Lenovo handheld, which aims to compete directly with the Steam Deck, can now install and run SteamOS with an optimized experience, including a dedicated section in the Steam library for compatible titles. Additionally, Valve is extending limited compatibility to other AMD-based handheld consoles, such as the ASUS ROG Ally and the original Legion Go model. The company cautions that this support isn't complete on all AMD devices, but advancements in recognition, drivers, and system recovery pave the way for future certifications. To understand SteamOS compatibility with different devices, check out the advancement in compatibility and certifications.
SteamOS 3.7.8 introduces new features for battery and power consumption
Improvements in Advanced battery settings now allow you to set a maximum charge limit –for example, by 80%– for those who keep their device plugged in for long periods, thus prolonging battery life. This highly requested control is now a permanent part of the system's power settings, leaving its beta phase behind.
Energy management is also reinforced with the possibility of limiting the frequency of AMD processors through adjustments of P-state. In addition, support for external monitors and displays with HDMI has been improved. VRR (variable refresh rate). Users connecting Steam Deck or similar devices to TVs and monitors will notice fewer issues, especially with FireTV models or Dell monitors that previously experienced issues.
Bluetooth, controls and quality of life
The experience with Bluetooth has received significant improvementsIt's now possible to view the battery level of connected peripherals, and support for Bluetooth headset microphones has finally been added in desktop mode. Additionally, the ability to wake the device from sleep using a Bluetooth controller now also works on devices with LCD displays, in addition to OLEDs.
As for drivers, Official support for Proteus Byowave is added, a modular controller focused on accessibility, and fixed issues with initial detection of Nintendo Switch controllers. Occasional crashes upon exiting Steam and hangs during command input have also been addressed, contributing to improved system stability.
Other improvements and fixes in SteamOS 3.7
Valve has made multiple fixes and quality of life improvements, such as pre-installing Filelight to monitor disk usage, debugging improvements for developers, and optimized system updates by automatically removing obsolete caches. Overall performance has been improved, also addressing regressions in specific titles such as No Rest for the WickedFor a better understanding of these developments, please consult improvements in Table 24.3.
SteamOS 3.7.8 may break your WiFi
Among the known issues, SteamOS 3.7 has introduced various WiFi connection issuesIn some cases, forgetting a network and re-entering the password allows you to connect. In others, even this fails, and it can even crash SteamOS in game mode or restart the console. Valve is expected to release a patch soon to address these issues.
UPDATED: They have uploaded a revision with the same version number that is supposed to fix the most serious bugs, such as the one mentioned with WiFi.
