SteamOS 3.9.3 Beta updates Arch Linux base and Plasma Desktop

Valve has released the SteamOS 3.9.3 Beta for users on the Beta and Preview channels. This update includes a rebase to Linux kernel 7.2, an upgrade of the Desktop Mode to Plasma 6.7.3, and several hardware-specific fixes for devices like the Legion Go 2 and Intel Panther Lake systems. It also introduces preliminary support for hibernation and switches the default WiFi backend to wpa_supplicant.

Technical changes in SteamOS 3.9.3

• Kernel & Base: Rebased on Linux 7.2 and updated the Arch Linux base.
• Desktop Environment: Upgraded Plasma from 6.4.3 to 6.7.3.
• Networking: Switched default WiFi backend to wpa_supplicant for better compatibility, while enhancing it to support fast reconnects after sleep.
• Power Management: Added preliminary support for hibernation and improved kernel-level hibernation stability.
• Hardware Support: Added preliminary brightness control for Legion Go 2 and addressed compatibility issues with Intel Panther Lake CPUs and RDNA1/RDNA2 GPUs.
• Virtualization: Improved support for running SteamOS as a VM guest with accelerated graphics using virtio-gpu and venus.

Why it matters

The update improves hardware compatibility for emerging handheld devices and refines the desktop experience through significant Plasma and kernel updates.