- Valve has released the SteamOS 3.8.0 preview for initial Steam Machine support ahead of launch
- It also introduced major fixes, such as improved Discord screen sharing functionality in game mode
- The update indicates that the Steam Machine release date or price may be announced soon
Valve is still hard at work behind the scenes for the release of its Steam Machine after plans were stymied via a delay due to the ongoing RAM crisis. Fortunately, a new update could be a strong indication that the launch of its launch date may be closer than we expected.
Announced on Steam, Valve has released the SteamOS 3.8.0 preview with ‘initial support for the upcoming Steam Machine’. It comes with several graphics drivers, performance and stability fixes, and especially improvements for both Steam Deck and non-Steam Deck handhelds using SteamOS.
Unfortunately, the RAM crisis and its impact on the PC hardware market is seemingly ever-present, and an indefinite delay has looked more likely in recent months (and could arguably be the ideal solution), especially since the Steam Deck OLED, which uses similar memory and storage, has been affected by sudden drops in availability.
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Nevertheless, the patch notes suggest that the 3.8.0 preview is a ‘minor update’, but there are a significant number of improvements that could prove hugely beneficial to the functionality of the Steam Machine from day one when it finally launches.
One of these fixes is the long-awaited improved support for screen sharing and casting on Discord and OBS while in SteamOS game mode. This should make Discord much easier to use for both handheld and Steam Machine users.
More importantly, these updates indicate that a potential release date or price announcement is imminent, but that doesn’t necessarily mean consumers will be able to get their hands on it anytime soon.
It’s quite obvious that Valve doesn’t want to make the mistake of announcing a price that isn’t feasible.
If Valve’s Steam Machine has a higher price than most expect, it will likely be a major dealbreaker for consumers. However, a more affordable price may not be ideal for Valve, given the volatile state of the market and prices for memory next to storage, but pleases customers.
It’s a tough situation for Valve, but there’s a good chance it’s ready to take another step toward Steam Machine’s long-awaited launch.
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