There’s a brand new Steam Deck SteamOS launch accessible to obtain, and among the many quite a few bug fixes and different tweaks included within the replace, there are additionally some thrilling hints at what could possibly be sooner or later for SteamOS. That’s as a result of there’s a point out within the launch notes of the most recent model of added help for “further ROG Ally keys” and “Asus ROG Raikiri Professional controller.”
Whereas that is hardly smoking gun ranges of proof, it provides to earlier rumors we’ve seen the place updates have included mentions of SteamOS help for consoles apart from the Steam Deck. With using this practice Linux OS being one of many key the reason why the Steam Deck OLED retains its place as the most effective handheld gaming PC, its availability on different gadgets may put an entire new spin on the gaming handheld panorama.
Again to the discharge notes for SteamOS 3.6.19, and the complete listing of recent options and fixes is so intensive that we’ll depart it to Valve to show the whole thing, however we’ve picked out some highlights.
The actually attention-grabbing half is the inclusion of those new Asus inputs and controls, which may trace at what the long run gaming handheld panorama has in retailer. Though the Enter part of the discharge notes additionally consists of added help for the Machenike G5 Professional controller and notes fixes for DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers, it’s the added help for further ROG Ally keys and Asus ROG Raikiri Professional controllers that has highly effective implications.
The precise launch of this help follows earlier rumors and outright admission from Valve that SteamOS ROG Ally help was within the works, together with a point out of VRR help for the Ally in a earlier replace. This newest replace is the strongest trace to date, although, {that a} totally supported launch could possibly be arriving quickly, although this nonetheless isn’t a assure that there shall be a straightforward one-button SteamOS possibility for Ally customers any time quickly. The method of putting in the OS may nicely nonetheless contain side-loading and dual-booting SteamOS with Home windows.
What we all know for positive, although, is that if SteamOS does arrive for the likes of the ROG Ally or Lenovo Legion Go, it places a totally completely different spin on the gaming handheld panorama. With these more moderen gadgets having rather more highly effective processors and bigger, greater decision screens, the Steam Deck may fairly simply discover itself a distant also-ran, though Valve’s continued low pricing for the Steam Deck will little doubt proceed to make it a tempting possibility for a lot of.
There are another notable modifications within the newest launch too. One is it updates the Linux kernel to model 6.5 and a more moderen Arch Linux base. This could “enhance {hardware} compatibility, system efficiency, safety, and total system stability.” Additionally serving to on the final efficiency enchancment entrance is a transfer to Mesa 24.1 for the graphics driver.
A bunch of different basic fixes embrace bettering microSD compatibility, Wi-Fi 7 help, restoration from failed recreation installations, and rather more. A reminiscence leak particular to the Steam Deck OLED has additionally been plugged.
Show uniformity, coloration steadiness, and gamma have all been improved for a wide range of circumstances, whereas there’s additionally a refresh change repair for OLED Restricted Version fashions. A probably essential repair for some customers shall be improved pairing with Apple AirPods.
Whichever gaming handheld you determine to get, try our greatest Steam Deck video games listing to search out the best titles to obtain.