Valve just pushed out a new Steam Deck Client update and it adds in some incredible new features and support! The biggest by far is the official addition of Local Network (LAN) game transfers. This will allow you to copy files from a PC that has a game installed and bring it over to the Steam Deck. As long as you are on the same network, you can also send the games to friends, not just your own Steam account.

On top of that, some new advanced HDR options were added to developer settings. Support for the DualSense Edge and Wolverine V2 controller was brought in. There was also some improvements to Desktop mode with some crash fixes and the addition of a UI at startup for account selection. Along with some general bug fixes, this is a pretty massive update and it is fantastic to see!

Steam Deck Client Update 3/15/23 Changelog:

Local Network Game Transfers

  • Added new feature that allows Steam users to copy existing Steam game installation and update files from one PC to another over a local area network, without having to download and install from a Steam content server on the internet. This reduces internet traffic and can speed up installs or updates.
  • Steam users have control over who files can be sent to: self only, friends only, or everyone. The default setting is self only.
  • More info about this new feature can be found here: https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/46BD-6BA8-B012-CE43
Steam Deck Client LAN Transfers

General

  • Move advanced HDR options to Developer Settings
  • Streamable games are now included in the "Ready to play" game filter, though the default action is still to install them locally.
  • Fixed a bug preventing some Demo apps that store files under the full-game App ID from uploading to Steam Cloud from Steam Deck devices
  • Stop prompting users to register for Steam Deck rewards if they have chosen the "Ignore Forever" option
  • Fixed some transparency issues with the background in the in-game overlay.
  • Fixed issue where user could not re-enter a context submenu after backing out of it
  • Fixed issue where incoming chat messages would not be delivered properly while in-game
  • Reduced flashing in background when scrolling through games on home screen
  • Game invites in the Quick Access Menu will now default to opening a context menu to accept the invite rather than navigating to the chat tab and having to hit "Accept" there.
  • Added ability to retrieve Steam Runtime System Information for Linux devices
  • Improved UI responsiveness when reconnecting to Steam
  • Fixed the appearance of jumbled UI that could happen for a second or two when starting Steam
  • Fixed crash when in a voice chat
  • Fixed crash when authorizing a microtransaction purchase
  • Fixed the Play button stealing focus when a game is launching
  • Constrain the width of settings, chat, and other non-grid based views when connected to larger monitors
  • Fixed misalignment of loading throbber after logging in.
  • Fixed universal search not applying mature content filtering preferences

Steam Input

  • Added support for the Sony DualSense Edge controller including support for remapping of the rear buttons.
  • Added a loading throbber when waiting on Steam Cloud to update
  • Improved the latency of querying the workshop in the Configuration Browser and fix issues with configurations popping-in or opening the wrong tab because results weren't fully received
  • Added a loading throbber that shows while the Configuration Browser workshop query is running
  • Fixed PS5 edge settings leaking into PS5 controller
  • Fixed Steam Link app mobile touch gyro not working
  • Fixed crash exiting deadzone visualization
  • Fixed the physical input visualization only looking at the first connected controller
  • Fixed rumble for Nintendo Joy-Con controllers
  • Added support for the Razer Wolverine V2 controllers
  • Added the ability to reset the device input mapping in new Big Picture
  • Added the ability to install and uninstall the Windows Xbox Enhanced Features driver to the new Big Picture controller settings
  • Updated the Windows Xbox Enhanced Features driver with the following changes:
    • Added support for Xbox Series X controllers connected via the Xbox Wireless Adapter
    • Fixed delay detecting hotplugged USB controllers, occasionally causing duplicate controllers in Steam
    • Fixed interference with the Victrix Control Hub after the driver has been uninstalled
  • Fixed Logitech F310 controller input on macOS and Linux
  • Added mapping for DualSense Edge Wireless Controller on Linux (note that advanced feature support require Steam to be able to access the /dev/hidraw* devices)
  • Fixed unintended inversion of Gyroscope Roll Axis on Steam Deck
  • Added some optimization around DualSense adaptive trigger effects interaction with the Bluetooth stack

Desktop Mode

  • Added UI that temporarily replaces the "What's New" section of the Library when pre-purchased games are available to pre-load or install and play
  • Added UI at startup for account selection
  • Added a "sign out" option to the main menu that removes credentials for the signed in account from the machine
  • Fixed a crash when the OS is notifying Steam that it should shutdown
  • Improved performance of games when using Steam Workshop APIs
  • Refreshed the profile games page with a new style and improved performance
  • Fixed crash for some uses of %command% in shortcut launch options
  • Fixed quotes surrounding shortcut exe and paths
  • Fixed "Steam Library Folder" dialog showing in Downloads settings
  • Fixed soundtrack cover art, artist, and track information not appearing in Additional Content section of app details
  • Fixed some actions that should have opened external applications, such as a URL in your default browser, that were instead doing nothing
  • Fixed a crash loading the standalone controller configurator
  • Fixed another issue blocking download of precached shaders

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out the rest of the content on SteamDeckHQ! We have a wide variety game reviews and news that are sure to help your gaming experience. Whether you're looking for newstips and tutorialsgame settings and reviews, or just want to stay up-to-date on the latest trends, we've got your back!

Noah Kupetsky
A lover of gaming since 4, Noah has grown up with a love and passion for the industry. From there, he started to travel a lot and develop a joy for handheld and PC gaming. When the Steam Deck released, it just all clicked.
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