Summary

  • The Steam Machine is definitely on its way, but its release date remains unknown due to RAM-related delays.
  • The SteamOS 3.8.0 preview build adds initial support for Steam Machine hardware, hinting that a reveal may be near.
  • The build also adds graphical, screencast, controller, Bluetooth, and GPU memory fixes - join the preview channel to test it today.

The problem with the Steam Machine isn't that we don't know whether it exists; Valve has already confirmed it. The problem is that we don't know when it will be released. From what we've heard, we should have heard more about the price point and release date for the Steam Machine, but the recent RAM crisis pushed the release date back a few months. There was even a scare that it wouldn't arrive in 2026 (which Valve quickly squashed, thank goodness).

Well, here's some good news: while we still don't know when the Steam Machine will arrive, we do know that Valve is beginning to roll out the red carpet for its release. SteamOS 3.8.0's preview build has laid the foundation for the Steam Machine, which hopefully means it's being fully revealed soon. Hopefully.

SteamOS 3.8.0 finally begins preparing for the Steam Machine's release

Because it's coming soon, right?

Over on the Steam website, Valve has posted the complete changelog for SteamOS 3.8.0. It just hit the preview branch, and it contains a ton of handy tweaks and fixes for game performance and the Steam Deck itself. However, right at the top of the list, Valve states that 3.8.0 provides "Initial support for upcoming Steam Machine hardware." That's all we hear about the Steam Machine in this update, but it is a clear sign that Valve is preparing something for the near future.

Otherwise, SteamOS 3.8.0 is packed full of nice tweaks you can try right away if you're subscribed to the preview system update channel. Here are my personal favorite notes:

  • Updated graphics driver with performance and stability fixes.
  • Improved support for the screencasts in Game Mode (e.g. OBS/Discord).
  • Steam Deck controller firmware updates now display update progress on the splash screen.
  • Re-re-enable Bluetooth Wake for Steam Deck LCD.
  • Greatly improved video memory management with discrete GPU platforms.

If you want to get into the testing build, head to Settings > System > System Update Channel on your Steam Deck and sign up to the preview channel to get this update early. Just remember to report any bugs you find.