Valve has released SteamOS 3.9 as a preview build, featuring an upgrade to KDE Plasma 6.7 and a significant kernel rebase to version 7.2, along with preliminary hibernation support and a new WiFi backend for improved connectivity. The update introduces important infrastructure changes aimed at expanding support for third-party hardware, though users are already reporting several bugs, including Bluetooth issues and input method bugs. The desktop environment has received substantial improvements, making it the largest update since the Steam Deck's launch in 2022, enhancing user productivity with new features. While the preview build offers exciting advancements, users on the stable channel are advised to wait for further testing to avoid potential instability
SteamOS 3.9 Preview Brings KDE Plasma Leap, Kernel 7.2 Rebase, and Hibernation Support
Valve has released SteamOS 3.9 to the Main channel as a preview build, bringing KDE Plasma 6.7 to the desktop environment alongside a significant Linux kernel rebase to version 7.2. The update introduces preliminary hibernation support, switches the default WiFi backend to wpa_supplicant for broader connectivity, and includes bootloader improvements for third-party hardware. While these changes mature the OS for expanding device support, the preview status is already generating reports of Bluetooth failures on the ROG Ally X and input method bugs in the Steam client. Users can opt in via Settings > System > System Update Channel, though stable channel owners should likely wait for further testing before risking potential instability.
