Steam Deck preview fixes Bluetooth audio drops and improves external VRR
Valve’s latest SteamOS preview aims to fix Bluetooth audio dropping when players switch between the Steam Deck’s desktop and game modes. It also brings changes to variable refresh rate handling for compatible external displays, but there is a catch: this is still an early test build.
The SteamOS 3.10.0 preview notes say Valve has addressed that Bluetooth issue and a warning that could incorrectly report a slow charger. There are graphics and desktop changes too, including an update to the Plasma desktop environment.
Those fixes could be useful if you regularly move between the two modes with wireless headphones. Still, Valve warns that this early preview may have unexpected bugs or stability problems, so I would not switch channels just for a fix if you need your handheld to work reliably every day.
Valve’s Steam Deck OLED has physical controls on both sides of the display. Image: Valve
Valve has made several changes to variable refresh rate
For Steam Deck owners using a compatible external VRR display and connection, the preview improves frame timing when a frame-rate limit is used with variable refresh rate, or VRR. The Deck’s built-in display does not support VRR. Valve also says it has improved flickering while navigating the Steam interface or leaving it idle with VRR enabled, and adjusted cursor movement under VRR.
The Steam Deck OLED has a USB-C port along its top edge. Image: Valve
For AMD graphics, the notes list support for HDMI 2.1 VRR, fixed rate link and auto low latency mode. That is a platform-level graphics change, not a promise that every Steam Deck dock, cable and display combination will gain those features. Valve also flags a known issue that can leave the Dell G3223Q display blank.
Elsewhere, the release adds HDR and brightness adjustment for the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X20 running SteamOS. There are NVIDIA graphics fixes in the notes as well, including rendering corruption in Shadow of the Tomb Raider and The Surge 2.
A closer view of the Steam Deck OLED hardware. Image: Valve
The update is available in the preview channel
Steam Deck owners who want to test it can choose the Preview channel under Settings, System and System Update Channel. Valve describes the release as an early build, and its notes compare changes with the previous SteamOS 3.9 stable release. If stability matters more to you, waiting for a stable release is the safer choice.
If you are considering a Steam Deck rather than updating one you already own, Valve sells the OLED handheld directly through Steam. A 512GB OLED listing on Amazon was also available from a third-party seller when checked. Compare the seller, price and delivery before ordering.
Image credit: Valve.
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