SteamOS 3.8 vs. SteamOS 3.7: Steam Deck Gaming Performance Comparison

SteamOS is still growing and maturing with periodic updates that make it more stable, compatible, and playable on supported handhelds. SteamOS 3.8 is the new stable update for Steam, featuring a new GPU driver and bug fixes for games and the system. Steam Deck has been optimized over the years, but the new driver brings tangible benefits to several new games, so the newest version is worth considering.

The new stable SteamOS update (SteamOS 3.8.11) includes a long list of fixes and changes. The most noteworthy of these features is the improved GPU driver, which is the most important feature to compare when it comes to Steam game performance between SteamOS3.7 and SteamOS3.8.

SteamOS 3.8 is Centered around Driver Updates

In addition to its performance improvements, the update includes numerous fixes across the OS. There are enhancements for both the Steam Deck and the non-Deck handheld. For now, we'll be looking at the impact of SteamOS 3.8 on the gameplay of the Steam Deck itself, but with hardware like the Legion Go2 and the Xbox Ally X, we'll be getting into the changes in the future.

Forza Horizon 6 is one of the first games to be tested. There is not much of a difference in the built-in benchmark between SteamOS3.7 and SteamOS3.8, but in the real game, things are quite different. The benchmark is still not a reliable reflection of the game's actual performance.

SteamOS 3.8 runs more smoothly than the previous stable release during races and normal gameplay, showing significant improvements. The new GPU driver seems to deliver better real-world performance than synthetic benchmarks.

The Latest Crimson Desert Update has Resolved Rendering Issues

The SteamOS 3.8 update is dedicated to Crimson Desert. Older versions had issues loading assets and textures and/or experienced flickering on the Steam Deck. Those rendering problems seem to be fixed with SteamOS 3.8.11. Textures are fully loaded, flickering is greatly minimized, and the overall presentation is smoother during play. These patches do not change the game's settings, but they enhance the gameplay.

The new driver is also a part of the 007 First Light. The last comparison is between 007 First Light. Compared to the other games tested, SteamOS 3.8 appears to offer superior performance to SteamOS 3.7. The game is still more consistent, and sometimes runs at higher frame rates with the new GPU driver. The enhancements aren't particularly groundbreaking in each scene, but they do make the overall gameplay feel more predictable.

SteamOS 3.8 continues to improve on the Steam Deck.

While the Steam Deck has already been optimized for years, SteamOS 3.8 proves that there is still valuable room for improvement. The new version of the GPU driver enhances visuals in the latest games, fixes graphics glitches in Crimson Desert, and optimizes real-world performance in games such as Forza Horizon 6Horizon 6 and 007 First Light.

SteamOS 3.8.11 is more than just a simple stability update. The improvements to its driver, game compatibility, and other platform enhancements represent a further advance for Steam Deck users and will help future handheld gaming systems support the platform.