Arch Linux-based SteamOS 3.7.8 update brings Plasma 6, better battery controls, and Legion Go S support

Valve has formally pushed SteamOS 3.7.8 to the Steady channel, and it’s a hefty one. After months of improvement within the beta lane, the refreshed model of the Arch-based working system is lastly prepared for primetime. This launch brings a variety of notable enhancements to Steam Deck customers and expands assist for a rising household of AMD-powered handheld gaming PCs, together with Lenovo’s superior new Legion Go S.

One of many extra welcomed modifications is the soar to the Linux 6.11 kernel and Mesa graphics stack replace, serving to to squeeze out extra efficiency and compatibility with newer {hardware}. However maybe extra impactful for on a regular basis customers is the change to KDE Plasma 6.2.5 in desktop mode, marking a serious visible and purposeful improve over the older Plasma 5 atmosphere. This could make the Steam Deck’s desktop expertise really feel way more fashionable and snappy.

Energy administration is getting smarter too. Customers now have entry to a “Battery Cost Restrict” setting beneath Energy settings. This allows you to cap the battery to a decrease most cost (say, 80 p.c) which might delay battery lifespan, particularly for many who hold their Deck docked more often than not.

There’s additionally a give attention to supporting third-party units. The Legion Go S now has official assist, together with a devoted SteamOS library tab for appropriate titles. Valve additionally improved compatibility with different AMD handhelds just like the ASUS ROG Ally and the unique Legion Go. A brand new and up to date SteamOS restoration picture even makes it simpler for tinkerers to put in the working system on their very own {hardware}.

Avid gamers who depend on Bluetooth peripherals will see enhancements too. Valve has enhanced wake-from-sleep habits and enabled headset mic assist in Desktop mode. There’s even battery stage reporting for supported Bluetooth units. And for these with Change Professional Controllers, an annoying gyro detection difficulty has been squashed.

On the enter facet, SteamOS now helps the Proteus Byowave modular controller and fixes a number of bugs round enter hang-ups and controller detection after quitting Steam. Customers with exterior shows must also discover higher compatibility, particularly in the event that they’ve been stricken by points with FireTVs or Dell screens with VRR.

Numerous quality-of-life enhancements are scattered all through the replace. From encompass sound working correctly in Desktop mode to KDE Filelight being preinstalled for higher disk utilization monitoring, the expertise simply feels extra refined. Efficiency regressions have been addressed too, together with one affecting No Relaxation for the Depraved.

Builders get their share of affection as properly. Debugging instruments are improved, systemd socket models are actually retained throughout updates, and pacman cache cleanup now occurs routinely after upgrades to keep away from stale cache issues. System updates must also be much less vulnerable to failure attributable to unhealthy configuration recordsdata, and area lookup pace has been improved for sure DNS setups.

There are nonetheless just a few identified points, like falsely reported SNES controller connections and restricted Bluetooth LE wake assist on non-OLED Steam Deck models. However general, this replace seems like actually stable. SteamOS 3.7.8 is obtainable now by the Steady replace channel.