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Steam Machine hardware support appears in latest SteamOS build, along with loads of Steam deck tweaks
AppWizard
March 22, 2026

Steam Machine hardware support appears in latest SteamOS build, along with loads of Steam deck tweaks

Valve has released SteamOS 3.8.0 Preview, named "Second Clutch," which includes initial support for upcoming Steam Machine hardware. This update features over 80 lines of changes, including a new graphics driver, enhanced VRR frame pacing, fixes for session crashes in certain games, improved USB racing wheel compatibility, and reinstated Bluetooth Wake functionality for the Steam Deck. The Steam Machine is expected to launch in 2026, with a likely release in the Fall/Winter season. Pricing details for the Steam Machine remain unspecified. The update is available for users in the Steam Deck Preview channel.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
March 22, 2026

Steam Machine hardware support appears in latest SteamOS build, along with loads of Steam deck tweaks

Valve has released SteamOS 3.8.0 Preview, designed for Steam Decks and the upcoming Steam Machine. This update introduces new features and bug fixes, marking the start of support for Steam Machine hardware. The update includes over 80 lines of changes, with a focus on initial support for the Steam Machine, though details on this support remain unclear. Valve aims to launch the Steam Machine in 2026, likely in the Fall/Winter season, but pricing details are not confirmed. Notable enhancements in SteamOS 3.8.0 include a new graphics driver, improved VRR frame pacing, resolution of session crash issues for specific games, enhanced USB racing wheel support, and re-enabled Bluetooth Wake for Steam Deck LCD. The update is available for users in the Steam Deck Preview channel.
I Tested Crimson Desert on Every Recommended Graphics Card
AppWizard
March 20, 2026

I Tested Crimson Desert on Every Recommended Graphics Card

Developers have increasingly used upscaling technologies like Nvidia’s DLSS and AMD’s FSR in PC gaming, but Crimson Desert has reasonable system requirements and does not always rely on upscaling. Testing showed that while lower-end graphics cards struggle, enabling FSR can improve frame rates significantly. The minimum specification for Crimson Desert includes an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060, and the game requires 16GB of memory across all configurations. The game performs well on various hardware, with the AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT averaging 65 fps at Medium settings and the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT reaching 62 fps at Ultra in native 4K. The RTX 5090 achieved 95 fps at 4K without DLSS, and 338 fps with DLSS and Frame Generation. Crimson Desert is compatible with the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, which has similar requirements to the GTX 1060, and it performs well on this handheld device. The game is noted for its optimization, allowing most modern graphics cards to run it effectively without upscaling, although it does have some bugs.
Dev at axed PlayStation game studio says Steam Machine could be why Sony is going back to console exclusives
AppWizard
March 13, 2026

Dev at axed PlayStation game studio says Steam Machine could be why Sony is going back to console exclusives

Sony is shifting away from releasing PC ports and is reaffirming its commitment to console exclusives for single-player titles, including upcoming games like Ghost of Yōtei and Marvel’s Wolverine. This decision comes despite the success of Ghost of Tsushima on PC. Discussions suggest that the Steam Machine may influence this strategy, with Mike Ybarra and Peter Dalton highlighting Valve as a significant competitor rather than Xbox. Bluepoint Games, acquired by Sony in 2021, faced closure on March 2nd, following Sony's cancellation of a live-service God of War game. Sony's focus on exclusives is seen as a strategic advantage in competition with both Valve and Xbox, similar to Nintendo's success with its exclusive titles.
Microsoft confirms 'Xbox Mode' rollout for Windows 11 and reveals more plans for PC-console hybrid Project Helix
AppWizard
March 12, 2026

Microsoft confirms ‘Xbox Mode’ rollout for Windows 11 and reveals more plans for PC-console hybrid Project Helix

Microsoft will launch 'Xbox Mode,' a reimagined version of the Xbox Full Screen Experience, on Windows 11 next month. Xbox Mode is designed to optimize gaming performance by reducing resource-intensive background tasks and will enhance navigation for controller users. Project Helix, a PC-console hybrid, is set to be accessible to developers in 2027 and will feature a custom System on Chip (SoC) developed in collaboration with AMD, promising improved ray tracing performance. AMD's new FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) upscaler, named 'Diamond,' will be optimized for Project Helix and integrated into the Game Development Kit (GDK). Xbox Mode will be available in April, while highly anticipated titles like GTA 6 may not release until 2028.
Windows 12 Rumors Spark Shift Toward Linux
Winsage
March 11, 2026

Windows 12 Rumors Spark Shift Toward Linux

The anticipated arrival of Windows 12 may drive many PC users to consider switching to Linux due to its deeper integration of artificial intelligence, increased monetization strategies, and higher hardware requirements. Microsoft has indicated a shift towards an AI-centric operating system, which could alienate users who prefer a stable desktop experience. As Windows 10 nears the end of its support in 2025, users face the choice of paying for Extended Security Updates, upgrading to Windows 12, or exploring alternatives like Linux, which has reached a 4% global market share in 2024. Recent developments in Windows 11, such as the introduction of ads and telemetry, have caused dissatisfaction among users, while Linux distributions remain ad-free and focus on security and functionality. Windows 11's new hardware requirements may leave many older PCs behind, whereas Linux is compatible with less powerful hardware. The Linux desktop has matured, with improved app distribution and gaming capabilities, and offers extensive support options. If Windows 12 emphasizes AI, advertising, and hardware restrictions, it could lead to a significant migration towards Linux as users seek a more user-friendly and controllable operating system.
Steam OS vs. Windows: Which Wins for Handheld Gaming?
Winsage
February 28, 2026

Steam OS vs. Windows: Which Wins for Handheld Gaming?

The handheld PC market is currently divided between powerful Windows devices, like the ASUS ROG Ally X, and Steam OS-powered devices that focus on gaming immersion. Steam OS allows users to access their game libraries immediately upon booting, providing a distraction-free experience. In performance comparisons, devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S show a 69% speed increase on SteamOS (39 fps) compared to Windows (23 fps), while the ROG Ally X can see a 32% performance boost with SteamOS. Battery life differs significantly, with the Steam Deck offering 3 to 6 hours of gameplay versus the ROG Ally X's 2 to 4 hours, despite the latter having a larger battery. Windows handhelds provide compatibility with various gaming platforms but suffer from inefficiencies due to background processes that consume CPU resources. Microsoft's Xbox Full Screen Experience attempts to improve usability but does not resolve the underlying issues. Windows handhelds typically have 8GB or 16GB of VRAM, which may be insufficient for future games, while SteamOS's lighter footprint allows for better VRAM allocation, enhancing performance. SteamOS is gaining traction not necessarily due to technical superiority but because of its efficiency in addressing the unique constraints of handheld gaming.
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