A new beta update for the Steam client is rolling out, offering significant feature additions for SteamOS devices like the Steam Deck and Steam Machine, as well as for the Windows client's Big Picture Mode. The update introduces a "Big Art" view for the home screen, which prioritizes a game's key art by removing news and store recommendations and lowering the game carousel. This visual refresh is available in both Big Picture Mode and the Steam Deck's Gaming Mode.
Accompanying the visual overhaul is a new screensaver option. Users can enable a built-in screensaver that displays a rotation of game artwork or personal screenshots. For those who prefer a more classic aesthetic, a retro-style bouncing Steam logo is also available. The patch notes also provide guidance on how to implement custom screensavers through file directory manipulation, though some users have reported difficulty in getting these to function correctly.
The update also includes several practical improvements. The Compatibility tab within a game's Properties menu now immediately displays the Proton version being used for compatibility, a change that previously required navigating a sub-option. This should streamline the process for users experimenting with different Proton versions to resolve compatibility issues.
Furthermore, a new toggle allows users to force SteamOS to boot into Desktop Mode by default. This feature is particularly useful for those using a Steam Machine as a conventional desktop PC and may also assist Steam Deck users in managing non-native software installations. These changes are expected to be integrated into the stable Steam client branch after a period of beta testing. To access the beta client, users can navigate to Settings > Interface > Client Beta Participation on the desktop application or Settings > System > Beta Participation on SteamOS devices.