Valve have released SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview, which they noted has the beginnings of support for non-Steam Deck handhelds! So we're closing in on the previously announced Beta for more handhelds. Although this release is still just for Steam Deck.
Since it's a Preview version you need to have your Steam Deck update settings set to Preview in Settings > System > System Update Channel.
One of the nice surprises for this Preview release is adding the ability for Bluetooth controllers to wake the LCD Steam Deck model!
Here's the full list of changes:
GeneralControllers and Input
- Updated to a newer Arch Linux base
- Updated the Linux kernel to 6.11
- Updated the Mesa graphics driver base
- Desktop mode now ships with Plasma 6.2.5
- Beginnings of support for non-Steam Deck handhelds
Bluetooth
- Add support for the Proteus Byowave controller
- Fixed an issue where Switch Pro Controller gyros might not work on first connection
- Fixed an issue with stuck/hanging controller inputs when exiting Steam
Steam Deck Dock
- Fixed Bluetooth devices still being able to wake the Steam Deck from suspend, even when Bluetooth was disabled from Desktop mode
- Enable HFP/HSP profiles, to allow using the integrated microphone from headsets and earbuds
- Currently only available to select in Desktop mode
- Added battery level display for supported Bluetooth devices
- Include a bugfix for the Airpods when using the AAC codec
- Bluetooth controllers can now wake LCD units from sleep, previously only available on OLED models
- Known issue: Bluetooth LE based controllers are not currently compatible with bluetooth wake on LCD models
Graphics and Performance
- Made compatibility improvements for certain displays including TCL FireTV models and Dell VRR capable monitors
Desktop
- Enabled AMD P-State CPU frequency control
- Fixed a performance regression for No Rest for the Wicked
Misc
- Updated to Plasma 6.2.5 (previously 5.27.10) - see the big changes in Plasma 6 here
- Surround sound now works correctly
- Enabling the setting is currently only available via Desktop mode
- KDE Filelight is now installed by default for disk usage visualization and low disk space notifications
- Speed and robustness improvements when switching between desktop and game mode
- Fixed a common cause of hangs when switching to desktop mode
- Fixed some cases where Steam could take up to ninety seconds to exit on shutdown or switch to desktop
- Added 'gocryptfs' support to desktop session to enable use of the Plasma Vaults feature
Known Issues
- Fixed some cases where "filter-chain" or other virtual sound devices would erroneously appear in the UI
- Fixed cases where applying system updates could fail if certain configuration files were corrupted or malformed
- Various enhancements to System Report functionality for support and troubleshooting
- Fixed compatibility issue with certain DNS servers causing very slow domain lookups
- Improved responsiveness of system when running into out-of-memory crash situations
- Enabled IPv6 Privacy Extensions by default
Developer
- Creative Zen Air Pro earbuds display an unexpected all-zeros entry under the "Show all devices" section when pairing
- Super NES controllers can erroneously show up as connected when they are not
- DualShock 3 controllers are currently not able to be paired or used
- Updated to a 6.11 based kernel
- Added debuginfod URLs for SteamOS
- Added systemd .socket units to the default list of /etc files preserved across updates
- When running in a VM, system will now default to the desktop session
- Swap file setup now uses standard 'mkswap' functionality instead of shipping an ad-hoc 'mkswapfile' script
- The steamos-readonly command now warns that the status might not be accurate when sysexts are loaded
- Fixed a case that could introduce duplicate boot entries for devices manually setup to dual-boot
- The pacman cache is now cleaned after applying a SteamOS update
- Fixes stale cache errors working with pacman after switching branches
Source: Valve
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Love how Valve doesn't forget about the LCD Steam Deck and keeps finding ways to bring improvements to it, like the wake on bluetooth.
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Wow, Plasma 6, controller wake-up, AND supporting other handhelds? No wonder this release took a while, Valve are cooking.
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I can report that the desktop session is still X11. I wonder what's on their shortlist that makes them not touch that default yet.
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Wow this is huge!!!!!!
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Desktop mode now ships with Plasma 6.2.5
Oh thanks to The Allmighty God of the Holy Valve! That's about time.
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Cannot wait! Yummy!
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I can report that the desktop session is still X11. I wonder what's on their shortlist that makes them not touch that default yet.From KDE's own list, accessibility seems like the only obvious one: https://community.kde.org/Plasma/Wayland_Known_Significant_Issues
Otherwise the Wayland session fixes a lot of X11 issues such that it should be a better experience for most people now: https://community.kde.org/Plasma/X11_Known_Significant_Issues
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I can report that the desktop session is still X11. I wonder what's on their shortlist that makes them not touch that default yet.
Thanks, saved me switching to Preview. I think there are ways to work around it, but easy fixing of Overscan for TVs in the Plasma Desktop settings would be a pleasure (only available in the Wayland session). I want to watch YouTube on my TV with my Deck and keyboard/mouse, Firefox doesn't work properly in fullscreen in Game Mode last I tested (or with GameScope in general on my Desktop PC). Considering compromising on Ungoogled Chromium for this, but would be nice to use Firefox in Desktop Mode without overscan.

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This is weird, but the sound is somehow off on Steam Deck OLED on 3.7.0. Like it sounds more tinny, not as rich, and I have to turn it up way higher to make out dialog.
Last edited by Linas on 15 Mar 2025 at 6:05 pm UTC
Last edited by Linas on 15 Mar 2025 at 6:05 pm UTC
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I can report that the desktop session is still X11. I wonder what's on their shortlist that makes them not touch that default yet.Hopefully they'll migrate to Wayland for the PC release. I mean, X11 doesn't even properly support scaling, for crying out loud.
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From KDE's own list, accessibility seems like the only obvious one: https://community.kde.org/Plasma/Wayland_Known_Significant_Issues
Maybe they are waiting for steam and proton to switch to Wayland?, that other issue that I can think about
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