SteamOS 3.8.28 Update Brings Ray Tracing and VRAM Improvements

SteamOS 3.8.28 brings updates for the Steam Controller, Steam Deck, Steam Machine, and other compatible devices. The update includes graphics driver changes, better VRAM management, startup fixes, wireless support, controller functionality, and device-specific fixes.

SteamOS 3.8.28 brings general improvements and fixes across supported hardware. The update includes an updated Mesa graphics driver with a new major release containing ray tracing performance improvements, along with other performance and functionality improvements.

SteamOS 3.8.28 Updates Graphics and VRAM Management

For the Steam Machine, ray tracing performance does seem to be improved. We have been testing the Steam Machine, and ray tracing shows some improvements, along with some general performance improvements. This helps games that use ray tracing.

The update also greatly improves VRAM management, which can improve performance and stability when VRAM is limited. The Steam Machine splash screen logo now appears much more quickly after the device starts up. We tested this as well, and the Steam Machine does seem to boot up more quickly now.

Another change adds support for Steam Controller 2026, enabling use with native control applications when Steam isn't running. This helps on Windows because, in some cases, the Steam app previously needed to stay open to use the Steam Controller.

The update also addresses late start times for some games on Proton when no capture devices are present. The update also fixes issues that could cause a black screen during certain launches. Another fix addresses cases where hot-plugging an HDMI display could cause a lockup in desktop mode.

You can check the specific changes for your hardware to see which fixes apply.

For TVs supporting an HDMI game mode, SteamOS fixes an issue where an incorrect boot logo could appear during startup before the display entered the appropriate mode. The update also fixes slow or stuck Wi-Fi connections with certain adapters. The update includes more fixes for general system issues across supported devices.

For developers, SteamOS 3.8.28 updates the Linux kernel to version 6.18.50. This kernel update comes alongside other system changes and fixes in this SteamOS release. Overall, SteamOS 3.8.28 addresses graphics, VRAM management, startup behavior, controllers, audio, HDMI, Wi-Fi, firmware, and compatibility across several devices.