SteamOS 3.5 preview exams VRR, HDR, and enhancements for Starfield on Steam Deck

Valve’s subsequent main SteamOS replace brings some vital new show settings in addition to some new efficiency enhancements to Steam Deck. You may learn all in regards to the SteamOS 3.5 replace in a weblog put up on the Steam web site.

Two main new options are assist for variable refresh charges (VRR) and HDR when you’re utilizing your Steam Deck with an exterior show that helps them. Valve says that HDR may be enabled when you’ve got a appropriate show whereas VRR may be enabled when you’ve got a appropriate USB-C adapter.

The corporate has additionally modified the Steam Deck’s default coloration rendering to “emulate the sRGB coloration gamut,” which Valve says will end in “a barely hotter and extra vibrant coloration look.” For those who don’t just like the change, or wish to strive considered one of your individual, Valve has additionally added settings that allow you to tweak the show’s coloration vibrancy and coloration temperature.

There are some welcome adjustments that aren’t associated to show settings, too. The replace consists of “up to date graphics drivers, with many efficiency and performance enhancements.” Valve says the replace brings “improved efficiency for Starfield;” Bethesda’s glorious house RPG isn’t verified for Steam Deck, however that hasn’t stopped individuals from taking part in the sport on the hand held gaming PC anyway.

Valve additionally guarantees that the brand new replace provides “barely improved sleep resume velocity.” Each second helps!

And for Linux desktop mode customers of the Steam Deck, the underlying Arch Linux has been up to date, full with a brand new model of the Plasma desktop interface with an up to date Uncover app retailer, widgets, and a brand new window tiling system.

The BIOS additionally has “voltage offset settings” now, which we take to imply you may extra simply undervolt or overclock the Steam Deck however we’ll must examine to make sure.

If you wish to strive the SteamOS 3.5 preview, go to Settings > System > System Replace Channel > Preview. If the preview is just too unstable for you, you may all the time change again to the Secure channel.

Replace, 7:51PM ET: Added point out of some extra options, and clarified that VRR and HDR are for exterior screens, not the Steam Deck’s personal 40-60Hz fixed-refresh fee display.