SteamOS 3.10.0 is now being rolled out via the Steam Deck preview channel, bringing multiple optimizations to graphics performance, display compatibility, and system stability. This update upgrades the underlying Arch Linux system, raising the KDE Plasma version in Desktop Mode from 6.7.3 to 6.8.2, and adds support for HDMI 2.1 Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Fixed Rate Link (FRL), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for AMD GPUs. In Gaming Mode, frame pacing for Variable Refresh Rate has been optimized for smoother cursor movement, while fixing HDR overexposure and screen flickering issues.
This update also includes optimizations for NVIDIA GPUs, adding mesh shader support for Turing architecture and newer GPUs, while fixing rendering issues in "Shadow of the Tomb Raider" and "The Surge 2". Other fixes include Bluetooth audio disconnections, false triggers of the slow charging warning, and compatibility issues with the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X20 handheld. Please note that SteamOS 3.10.0 is currently an early preview version, and users may encounter bugs or stability issues during testing.
SteamOS 3.10.0 Patch Notes
General Optimizations
- Upgraded the underlying Arch Linux system
- Upgraded KDE Plasma in Desktop Mode from version 6.7.3 to 6.8.2
- Various security and stability improvements
- Fixed false triggers of the slow charging warning
- Fixed Bluetooth audio disconnection when switching between Desktop Mode and Gaming Mode
- Updated timezone data for the following regions:
Cuba
Northwest Territories, Canada
Manitoba, Canada
Gaming Mode Optimizations
- Added support for the VK_EXT_present_timing extension
- Added HDR and brightness adjustment support for the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X20 handheld
- Optimized frame pacing when using the frame rate limiter with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
- Reduced screen flickering in the Steam UI navigation or idle state when VRR is enabled
- Improved cursor movement performance when VRR is enabled
- Cursor movement will sync with the game frame rate when the frame rate exceeds 30 FPS
- Fixed an issue where cursor movement caused the panel refresh rate to spike to its maximum value
- Fixed overexposure issues in some HDR games (including "Control") caused by scaling
- Fixed screen flickering and old frame retention issues in some games in Gaming Mode, including:
UBOAT
Grisaia no Kajitsu
AMD GPU Optimizations
- Added support for HDMI 2.1 Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
- Added support for HDMI 2.1 Fixed Rate Link (FRL)
- Added support for HDMI 2.1 Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
Known Issues:
- Screen may remain blank when used with the Dell G3223Q monitor
NVIDIA GPU Optimizations
- Significantly improved stability and performance for NVIDIA GPUs
- Added mesh shader support for NVIDIA Turing architecture and newer GPUs
- Fixed rendering issues in the following games:
Shadow of the Tomb Raider
The Surge 2
Developer Updates
- Linux kernel rebuilt based on version 7.3
How to Access the Preview Channel
SteamOS 3.10.0 is now available on the Steam Deck preview channel.
Players can enable the preview channel via the following path:
Settings → System → System Update Channel
This update is an early preview of SteamOS 3.10, and its features are still in testing. Unexpected bugs and stability issues may occur during testing. Users encountering problems can submit feedback via the SteamOS issue tracker.
Changes listed in this preview version may not include all updates since the official release of SteamOS 3.9.