- Valve has released a preview of SteamOS 3.8.0 for initial Steam Machine support ahead of launch
- It also introduced important fixes, such as improved Discord screen sharing functionality in game mode.
- The update indicates that the Steam Machine release date or price could be announced soon.
Valve is still working hard behind the scenes for the launch of its Steam Machine, after plans were stifled by a delay due to the ongoing RAM crisis. Fortunately, a new update could be a strong hint that the release date announcement could be closer than we expected.
Announced on Steam, Valve has released a preview of SteamOS 3.8.0 with “initial support for the upcoming Steam Machine.” It comes with numerous graphics driver, performance and stability fixes and, in particular, improvements for both Steam Deck and non-Steam Deck handhelds running SteamOS.
Unfortunately, the RAM crisis and its impact on the PC hardware market is seemingly ever-present, with an indefinite delay looking more likely in recent months (and could arguably be the ideal solution), especially as the Steam Deck OLED, which uses similar memory and storage, has been hit by sudden drops in availability.
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However, the patch notes suggest that the 3.8.0 preview is a “small update”, but there are a significant number of improvements that could prove hugely beneficial to Steam Machine functionality from day one, once it is finally released.
One of those fixes is the long-awaited improved support for screen sharing and streaming on Discord and OBS in SteamOS game mode. This should make Discord much easier to use for both handheld and Steam Machine users.
More importantly, these updates are indicative of a possible imminent release date or price announcement, but that doesn’t necessarily mean consumers will be able to get their hands on it anytime soon.
It is evident that Valve does not want to make a mistake by announcing an unviable price.
If Valve’s Steam Machine is priced higher than most anticipate, it will likely be a deal breaker for consumers. However, a more affordable price may not be ideal for Valve, considering the unstable state of the market and memory and storage prices, but it pleases its customers.
It’s a difficult situation for Valve, but there’s a good chance it’s ready to take another step toward the long-awaited launch of the Steam Machine.
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