Valve Rolls Out Major Steam Deck Update, Extends Support to AMD Handheld Rivals

After months of preparation, starting with a preview, progressing to a beta, and now culminating in a stable release, Valve is launching a new version of SteamOS. This update introduces exciting new features for the Steam Deck and, for the first time, extends official support to third-party handhelds such as the Lenovo Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally series.
SteamOS 3.7.8 marks the first stable build to include official support for the Lenovo Legion Go S. It also provides an official recovery image, enabling installation on other AMD-based handhelds like the ROG Ally and the original Legion Go. This fulfills a promise Valve made back in January.
Related
- Valve will officially let you install SteamOS on other handhelds as soon as this April
- The Steam Deck has finally been surpassed — by a fork of Valve’s own experience
Previously, users who wanted to run SteamOS on Windows handhelds had to rely on workarounds using the original Steam Deck recovery image or alternatives like Bazzite. Now, Valve offers specific instructions for installing the image on the Legion Go and ROG Ally, while cautioning that "support for devices not officially 'Powered by SteamOS' is not yet final."
Even if you're solely a Steam Deck user, SteamOS 3.7.8 delivers significant improvements. A long-awaited feature, the ability to use a Bluetooth earbud's microphone, is finally available in desktop mode (though not yet in gaming mode) via HFP/HSP profiles. Additionally, you can now wake an LCD Steam Deck remotely with a Bluetooth controller—a feature once exclusive to the OLED model—which is perfect for TV-docked gameplay.
For those who frequently keep their device plugged in, a new Battery Charge Limit option lets you cap charging at 80% to preserve battery health. The update also introduces support for frame-limiting variable refresh rate displays and grants control over the P-state frequency on certain AMD CPUs.
Under the hood, the system is built on updated versions of Arch Linux, new Mesa graphics drivers, and a significantly newer Plasma desktop environment. The complete changelog for SteamOS 3.7.8 is available for review.
An updated FAQ from Valve suggests an expansion of SteamOS beyond its current hardware. The statement, "We’re currently working with select partners on officially licensed Powered by SteamOS devices. Please reach out to us at [email protected] for more information about licensing SteamOS for your device," indicates a broader licensing strategy.
Meanwhile, the tech industry is buzzing with anticipation for Valve's next moves. Persistent rumors suggest the imminent launch of a wireless VR headset, codenamed "Deckard," and the possibility of a SteamOS-powered living room console. Valve's methodical approach suggests a cohesive master plan for Steam Machines may finally be materializing.
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After months of preparation, starting with a preview, progressing to a beta, and now culminating in a stable release, Valve is launching a new version of SteamOS. This update introduces exciting new features for the Steam Deck and, for the first time, extends official support to third-party handhelds such as the Lenovo Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally series.
SteamOS 3.7.8 marks the first stable build to include official support for the Lenovo Legion Go S. It also provides an official recovery image, enabling installation on other AMD-based handhelds like the ROG Ally and the original Legion Go. This fulfills a promise Valve made back in January.
Related
- Valve will officially let you install SteamOS on other handhelds as soon as this April
- The Steam Deck has finally been surpassed — by a fork of Valve’s own experience
Previously, users who wanted to run SteamOS on Windows handhelds had to rely on workarounds using the original Steam Deck recovery image or alternatives like Bazzite. Now, Valve offers specific instructions for installing the image on the Legion Go and ROG Ally, while cautioning that "support for devices not officially 'Powered by SteamOS' is not yet final."
Even if you're solely a Steam Deck user, SteamOS 3.7.8 delivers significant improvements. A long-awaited feature, the ability to use a Bluetooth earbud's microphone, is finally available in desktop mode (though not yet in gaming mode) via HFP/HSP profiles. Additionally, you can now wake an LCD Steam Deck remotely with a Bluetooth controller—a feature once exclusive to the OLED model—which is perfect for TV-docked gameplay.
For those who frequently keep their device plugged in, a new Battery Charge Limit option lets you cap charging at 80% to preserve battery health. The update also introduces support for frame-limiting variable refresh rate displays and grants control over the P-state frequency on certain AMD CPUs.
Under the hood, the system is built on updated versions of Arch Linux, new Mesa graphics drivers, and a significantly newer Plasma desktop environment. The complete changelog for SteamOS 3.7.8 is available for review.
An updated FAQ from Valve suggests an expansion of SteamOS beyond its current hardware. The statement, "We’re currently working with select partners on officially licensed Powered by SteamOS devices. Please reach out to us at [email protected] for more information about licensing SteamOS for your device," indicates a broader licensing strategy.
Meanwhile, the tech industry is buzzing with anticipation for Valve's next moves. Persistent rumors suggest the imminent launch of a wireless VR headset, codenamed "Deckard," and the possibility of a SteamOS-powered living room console. Valve's methodical approach suggests a cohesive master plan for Steam Machines may finally be materializing.
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