There’s a brand new Steam Deck SteamOS launch obtainable 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 might be sooner or later for SteamOS. That’s as a result of there’s a point out within the launch notes of the newest model of added assist for “additional 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 assist for consoles aside from the Steam Deck. With the usage of this practice Linux OS being one of many key the explanation why the Steam Deck OLED retains its place as one of the best handheld gaming PC, its availability on different gadgets might put a complete new spin on the gaming handheld panorama.
Again to the discharge notes for SteamOS 3.6.19, and the total listing of latest options and fixes is so intensive that we’ll go away 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 might trace at what the longer term gaming handheld panorama has in retailer. Though the Enter part of the discharge notes additionally consists of added assist for the Machenike G5 Professional controller and notes fixes for DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers, it’s the added assist for additional ROG Ally keys and Asus ROG Raikiri Professional controllers that has highly effective implications.
The precise launch of this assist follows earlier rumors and outright admission from Valve that SteamOS ROG Ally assist was within the works, together with a point out of VRR assist for the Ally in a earlier replace. This newest replace is the strongest trace to date, although, {that a} totally supported launch might be arriving quickly, although this nonetheless isn’t a assure that there will probably be a simple one-button SteamOS choice for Ally customers any time quickly. The method of putting in the OS might effectively 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 totally different spin on the gaming handheld panorama. With these more moderen gadgets having way more highly effective processors and bigger, increased decision screens, the Steam Deck might fairly simply discover itself a distant also-ran, though Valve’s continued low pricing for the Steam Deck will little question proceed to make it a tempting choice 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 number of different normal fixes embrace bettering microSD compatibility, Wi-Fi 7 assist, restoration from failed sport installations, and way more. A reminiscence leak particular to the Steam Deck OLED has additionally been plugged.
Show uniformity, shade stability, and gamma have all been improved for a wide range of situations, whereas there’s additionally a refresh change repair for OLED Restricted Version fashions. A probably essential repair for some customers will probably be improved pairing with Apple AirPods.
Whichever gaming handheld you determine to get, take a look at our greatest Steam Deck video games listing to seek out the best titles to obtain.