Open Gaming & Graphics

SteamOS 3.9.5 Beta rebases on Linux 7.2, adds hibernation support

Key Takeaway

SteamOS 3.9.5 Beta moves to Linux kernel 7.2, introduces preliminary hibernation support, and brings Plasma 6.7.3 to Desktop Mode.

Summary

Valve released SteamOS 3.9.5 Beta for Steam Deck and Steam Machine testers, rebasing the operating system on Linux 7.2. The update adds preliminary hibernation support, though it remains unexposed in Game Mode UI and disabled on Steam Deck due to a driver bug. Desktop Mode upgrades from Plasma 6.4.3 to 6.7.3, and the Arch Linux base receives updates. Multiple game-specific fixes target titles including Forza Horizon 6, ELDEN RING, and STAR WARS: Galactic Racer.

What's new in SteamOS 3.9.5

  • Kernel: Rebased on Linux 7.2 with enhanced hibernation support, including interruptible hibernate requests
  • Hibernation: Preliminary support added; not yet in Game Mode UI and disabled on Steam Deck due to outstanding driver bug
  • Desktop Environment: Plasma updated from 6.4.3 to 6.7.3 in Desktop Mode
  • WiFi: Backend switched to wpa_supplicant by default; fast reconnect on resume from sleep now works with this backend
  • Power: Improved idle power consumption when no audio is playing
  • VM support: Better virtio-gpu and venus accelerated graphics for SteamOS as VM guest
  • Branding: Various steamos- packages and scripts renamed to holo- with backward-compatible aliases

Why it matters

The Linux 7.2 rebase and hibernation work signal Valve's continued investment in SteamOS as a general-purpose Linux distribution beyond the Steam Deck, particularly with improved VM support and Steam Machine fixes. The Plasma 6.7.3 update brings KDE's latest refinements to handheld desktop users.

Original reference: store.steampowered.com →