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SteamOS

The SteamOS stable and beta branches just got some updates that should fix some issues, but the beta update contains a few extra massive changes. The stable branch got a few fixes, which include an issue with Sniper Elite 5, Steam streaming in Desktop mode, and SD card reader issues with the Legion Go S. However, the beta branch got its Mesa graphics driver updated, which has some major ray-tracing improvements and better VRAM management. This might make some games run better altogether, especially if some games were limited on VRAM.

You can download the updates yourself in the System Settings on the Steam Deck. Make sure your update channel is set to Beta or Preview for the beta update, while the stable update should just be available in any update channel.

SteamOS 3.8.12 Update Changelog:

General

  • Fixed issue with Steam streaming in Desktop Mode in fullscreen games
  • Fixed a graphics driver issue where the main menu in Sniper Elite 5 would not render correctly
  • Fixed various issues with the SD Card reader on some Legion Go S models

SteamOS 3.8.20 Beta Update Changelog:

General

  • Updated Mesa graphics driver to a new major release, containing many ray-tracing performance improvements, as well as other performance and functionality improvements
  • Greatly improved VRAM management, improving performance and stability in cases where VRAM is limited

Fixed in 3.8.12

  • Fixed issue with Steam streaming in Desktop Mode in fullscreen games
  • Fixed a graphics driver issue where the main menu in Sniper Elite 5 would not render correctly
  • Fixed various issues with the SD Card reader on some Legion Go S models

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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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