SteamOS, the Linux-based operating system for the Steam Deck and other gaming handhelds, just got a big update. Valve has released SteamOS 3.7.8 as the first stable release of SteamOS 3.7, with a pile of improvements and support for new hardware.
This is the first official release for the Lenovo Legion Go S, which was announced as having SteamOS and Windows 11 options back in January. The version with SteamOS pre-installed isn’t available for purchase yet, but if you already have the Windows model, you can now install the OS image to convert it to SteamOS. Valve also now provides instructions for installing SteamOS on unofficial devices, like the ASUS ROG Ally or original Legion Go.
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Lenovo Legion Go S Review: Windows Still Isn’t Ready for Handhelds
Lenovo’s Legion Go S has plenty of promise, but you’re better off waiting for the coming SteamOS version.
Valve says in its support documentation, “We are continually working to improve compatibility with other devices. Currently, expanded support includes devices with AMD hardware and an NVME drive, targeted toward handheld devices. Please note, support for all devices that is not officially ‘Powered by SteamOS’ is not final (currently anything that is not a Steam Deck or Legion Go S).”
Unfortunately, there’s still no real support for traditional laptops or desktop gaming PCs. If you want to play games on Linux, you’re better off installing Steam on top of your desktop Linux distribution of choice.
What’s New in SteamOS 3.7
There’s a lot to talk about in this release outside of the new handheld support. This version switches to “a newer Arch Linux base” with Linux kernel 6.11, so many of the recent improvements to power management, performance, and hardware support in the kernel are now available to SteamOS devices. The update adds frame limiting with VRR displays, support for the Proteus Byowave controller, and improved compatibility with “certain displays including TCL FireTV models and Dell VRR capable monitors.”
SteamOS has updated from KDE Plasma 5.27 to Plasma 6.2, so all the new features and usability improvements in the Plasma 6 update are finally available on the Steam Deck. The update also has an updated Mesa graphics driver base.
Valve also added a new battery charge limit control, available in the Settings menu under Power. It allows you to set a maximum charge limit for your handheld, which is mainly useful if your device “is constantly being charged (e.g. docked), or very rarely has its battery depleted.”
Bluetooth controllers can now wake Steam Deck LCD models from sleep mode, which was previously exclusive to the OLED Deck. That still doesn’t work for Bluetooth LE-based controllers, though.
There are also many bug fixes, especially for Bluetooth devices. AirPods should now work correctly with the AAC codec, surround sound now works but must be enabled from desktop mode, Switch Pro Controller gyros should be more reliable, and some crashes were fixed.
SteamOS 3.7.8 is rolling out now to the Steam Deck, and you can install it on other devices with the official recovery images.
