Valve unveiled SteamOS 3.8 with new expected features and support for Steam Machine

Valve unveiled SteamOS 3.8.0 – a new release with expanded hardware support and features

Valve released a pre‑release version of SteamOS 3.8.0, adding many new capabilities and significantly expanding device support.

What’s new for portable consoles
* The Steam Deck now has full hibernation mode (only for the LCD model) and a “power‑saving via memory” feature.
* In game mode you can now use the microphone on a Bluetooth headset.
* The LCD version supports wake‑on‑Bluetooth – a device connected to a TV can be turned on from a wireless controller.
* Steam Machine (the planned gaming PC/console) now receives Linux desktop improvements that will aid its operation.

Expanded compatibility
Support for new portable consoles:

- Asus Xbox Ally
- Lenovo Legion Go 2
- OneXPlayer X1
- MSI, GPD, Anbernic, OrangePi and Zotac

Windows‑compatible devices have also been updated so they can stay asleep longer than the Steam Deck thanks to hibernation.

Linux desktop improvements
* HDR and VRR support
* Per‑display scaling
* Optimized windowed mode behavior for games launched via Proton
* KDE Plasma updated to version 6.4.3
* In Steam Machine and Steam Deck you can set the number of audio channels when outputting sound over HDMI

Technical updates
* The graphics driver and base Arch package have been updated
* The “long press power button” feature should work on various devices: it allows shutting down, rebooting or switching to the desktop.
* On Asus Xbox Ally you can change CPU power‑saving modes; night mode and screen color settings work on portable consoles with the AMD Z2 Extreme chip.

Other improvements
* Video memory management on platforms with discrete GPUs has been significantly optimized.
* The ability to limit battery charging time for the Lenovo Legion Go in desktop mode.
* Fixed “blackened colors” issue on Zotac and OneXPlayer OLED screens.

Thus, SteamOS 3.8.0 opens new horizons for Valve’s portable consoles and third‑party manufacturers, adding hibernation, improved power efficiency, and expanded audio/video device settings.