Even though the Steam Deck isn’t as talked about as before, the handheld console continues to operate and has gained several updates and improvements.
SteamOS 3.4, a new update, has been released today after several minor updates in the past few months.
After more than a month of beta testing, the update is now available to all users on the stable channel. The update offers stability, security, and performance fixes just as one would expect.
One of the more noteworthy changes made in the update that you may not even notice is the modification to KDE Plasma, used for Steam Deck’s desktop mode.
Take a look at the latest news about the technology world and how it’s progressing.
What’s New in Steam Updates?
General
- Resolved a bug causing certain titles to freeze or act abnormally after waking up, which only occurred for a select few games.
- Resolved an adaptive backlight-induced performance issue that caused short lags of 100ms during gameplays.
- The graphics driver issue that occurred when interacting with the map in DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT has been addressed.
- The problem with opening file managers has been solved if the game scope session was restarted.
- User xperia64’s backported AMD GPU kernel patch helped to stop fixed GPU clock settings from resetting if manually applied.
- Fixed an issue with fan controller excessive sensor polling causing sporadic fan behavior and higher SSD temps on some NVME drives
- This firmware update for the Docking Station resolves the issue of HDMI 2.0 displays not being recognized upon waking up the computer or booting it.
Performance Profiles
- To allow for lower average latency when VSync is disabled and the frame limiter is off, a new option allows for partial frames to potentially be displayed, which comes at the cost of screen tearing.
- Modified performance HUD level 2 to have a horizontal layout that fits the letterbox space for games running at a 16:9 aspect ratio.
Storage
Enabling TRIM for internal drives and supported external storage devices boosts write performance.
- This includes a workaround to make sure that the TRIM operations are safe for SD cards that say they support discard but actually don’t.
- Steam will occasionally prune storage devices as required
- The Settings → System → Advanced page has a new button to start trimming immediately.
Added functionality to eject removable drives in Settings → Storage
- Disconnecting the removable drive this way won’t physically eject it
- External drives in ext4 format are now automatically mounted and accessible through Steam.
Input
- Disabling kernel-level DualShock 4 and DualSense trackpad to mouse emulation when Steam is running
- The timing of virtual keypresses has been modified to make the on-screen keyboard more compatible with apps such as Street Fighter V and EA, solving input issues.
- Issues with Steam Input’s action set switching in Game mode have been fixed due to cursor visibility.
- The hid-steam kernel gamepad driver is usable again when Steam isn’t running on desktop mode, and it now features rumble support.
- 8BitDo Ultimate Wireless controller dongle now has extra support
- Resolved an issue with USB crashing when using controllers like the Hori Fighting Stick α
Audio
- Fixed a situation where the default audio device would show up as “echo-cancel-sink” and sound controls wouldn’t work properly
- Fixed a bug that caused certain apps to play sound on the wrong device.
- Solved an issue with the audio driver that could cause crackling from onboard audio in some cases.
As you go through this list, you can see that there are quite a few upgrades that should enhance your gaming experience.
This is fantastic news for people wanting to acquire the console during the festive season. Naturally, Valve will keep perfecting its software by making enhancements and modifications as time goes on.
What Makes Steam Deck So Special?
This could be what sets the Steam Deck apart from other handheld gaming systems.
To get the update, go to your System Settings menu- and you should be notified that an update is ready.
If you aren’t automatically shown anything, make sure you’re on the right release channel, or attempt to manually search for updates.
In most regions, you can now purchase a Steam Deck without making a reservation in advance.
However, if you live in Asia, you should pre-order it as the console has just started shipping to customers.
What are your thoughts on these new updates? Tell us in the comments section below.
We have covered more about the latest technologies, their updates, findings and more here.