Valve has rolled out a significant update, SteamOS 3.6.19, to the Stable channel for the Steam Deck, promising enhanced performance and up to a 10% battery life improvement for the original model under certain conditions. This update, unlike previous minor hotfixes, brings substantial changes, primarily due to a transition to a newer Arch Linux base and an update to Mesa 24.1 for the graphics driver.
A Steam Deck OLED sits on a table.
Key Improvements in SteamOS 3.6.19
This comprehensive update addresses various aspects of the Steam Deck experience. Key improvements include faster OS updates in the future, enhanced reliability of microSD and SD cards, and improved recovery mechanisms for system crashes. The update also refines the responsiveness of the Steam UI.
Desktop Mode Enhancements with KDE Plasma 5.27.10
For users who utilize desktop mode, the update to KDE Plasma 5.27.10 brings several enhancements, including video thumbnail previews in the file launcher and fixes for crashing issues. While not a major overhaul, these changes contribute to a smoother desktop experience.
Specific Benefits for OLED and LCD Models
Both the Steam Deck OLED and LCD models benefit from this update, although there are subtle distinctions. LCD owners, in particular, will appreciate the potential battery life extension of up to 10% in light-load scenarios. Additionally, overclocking controls are now available for LCD users seeking maximum performance. OLED users gain from Bluetooth improvements and a fix for a memory leak issue affecting users on version 3.5.
Hints at Future Cross-Platform Support?
Intriguingly, the patch notes mention added support for “extra ROG Ally keys.” This has sparked speculation about potential future SteamOS support on other platforms, possibly including the Asus ROG Ally. While this remains unconfirmed, it suggests interesting possibilities for the future of SteamOS.
Conclusion: A Significant Upgrade for Steam Deck Users
The SteamOS 3.6.19 update represents a significant upgrade for Steam Deck users, delivering notable performance improvements and battery life enhancements, particularly for the original model. The update also lays the groundwork for faster future updates and improved hardware reliability. While questions remain about the extent of future cross-platform compatibility, this update undoubtedly enhances the overall Steam Deck experience.
