Explore the Latest Steam Deck Preview: VRR, HDR, and Exciting Enhancements for Starfield

 

Explore the Latest Steam Deck Preview: VRR, HDR, and Exciting Enhancements for Starfield

Valve's upcoming major update for SteamOS is set to bring a host of noteworthy enhancements to the Steam Deck. This update, known as SteamOS 3.5, introduces a range of new display settings and performance improvements, all detailed in a comprehensive blog post on the Steam website.

Among the standout features are support for variable refresh rates (VRR) and HDR, specifically designed for users who connect their Steam Deck to external displays that support these technologies. Valve clarifies that enabling HDR requires a compatible display, while VRR can be activated through a compatible USB-C adapter.

Valve has also made a significant alteration to the default color rendering of the Steam Deck, opting to emulate the sRGB color gamut. This adjustment aims to deliver a slightly warmer and more vibrant color profile. For users who prefer a different visual experience, Valve has thoughtfully included settings to customize color vibrancy and temperature.

Beyond these display-related updates, SteamOS 3.5 also incorporates upgraded graphics drivers, with numerous performance and functionality enhancements. Notably, Valve mentions improved performance for "Starfield," although it's important to note that this title is not officially verified for the Steam Deck. Nevertheless, enthusiastic gamers have still been enjoying the game on this portable gaming PC.

Valve also boasts slightly improved sleep resume speed, emphasizing the importance of every second when it comes to user convenience.

For Linux desktop mode users on the Steam Deck, the underlying Arch Linux has received an update. This update includes a new version of the Plasma desktop interface featuring an updated Discover app store, widgets, and a new window tiling system.

Additionally, the BIOS now offers "voltage offset settings," which is likely to provide more flexibility for users looking to undervolt or overclock the Steam Deck, although further details will need to be explored to confirm this functionality.

To access the SteamOS 3.5 preview, users can navigate to Settings > System > System Update Channel > Preview. If the preview version proves too unstable, users always have the option to switch back to the Stable channel for a more reliable experience.