With the release of SteamOS 3.3, the latest version of the Linux operating system adapted to the Steam Deck based on Arch Linux, Valve is now optimizing the performance of its Zen 2 RDNA engine, among other things. 2 handheld gaming PCs and their Wi-Fi reception via the 5 GHz network. The release notes are extensive this time.
SteamOS 3.3 is a big facelift for the Steam Deck
In addition to new device drivers and an updated firmware, which should ensure higher compatibility and more performance as well as improved Wi-Fi stability, Valve also improves audio and Bluetooth as well as input devices, among other things, and now supports new and upcoming revisions of known controllers. The desktop mode is also being updated.
Valve optimizes almost all areas
The official release notes of SteamOS 3.3 and the latest Steam Deck Client update that comes with it also list several improvements for installing and updating apps via Flatpak – for example Firefox – and the Discover Software Center from KDE Plasma.
< p class="p text-width">Also new are the KDE Plasma Classic Theme (“VGUI2”) and improved support for 32-bit games that use the open Advanced Linux Sound Architecture (ALSA).
SteamOS 3.3 – Release Notes
< h2 class="text-width text-h2" id="section_free_choice_in_den_development_branches">Free choice for the development branches
Also new is the so-called “Update Channel Selector”, which now allows the user to choose between the three development branches “Stable”, “Beta” and “Preview” of the SteamOS operating system.
SteamOS 3.3 – Update Channel Selector
SteamOS 3.3 is already being distributed
The rollout of SteamOS 3.3 and the included Steam Client update over The Stable Channel has already started and is happening in waves as usual.
In terms of compatible games, things are also progressing quickly: Valve has tested around 2,000 games on the Steam Deck and Of these, 662 were classified as “Steam Deck Verified” and an additional 587 as “Steam Deck Playable”.
Tested games: 2,000
Games that are Steam Deck Verified: 662
Games that are playable with Steam Deck: 587
Games that are currently not playable are: 751
More details about the games
How exactly are the criteria for the certificate Putting together “Steam Deck Verified” and how these are weighted the editors examined in more detail in October last year.