Steam Beta Update Introduces New Big Picture View, Screensavers, and Desktop Mode Toggle

A new Steam client beta update has been released, bringing a substantial set of features aimed at SteamOS devices such as the Steam Deck and Steam Machines, as well as the Windows client's Big Picture Mode. Among the major additions is a new "Big Art" view for the home screen, which removes news and store recommendations while shifting the game carousel downward to showcase game key art. This feature is available for both Big Picture Mode and Gaming Mode on compatible devices.

Additionally, the update introduces a built-in screensaver option that defaults to rotating through game artwork or personal screenshots. Users can also select a retro-style bouncing Steam logo preset, while Valve's patch notes provide instructions for adding custom screensavers through file directory adjustments. More utilitarian improvements arrive for SteamOS hardware as well. The Compatibility tab within a game’s Properties menu now displays the active Proton version directly, removing the need to navigate through sub-options.

Furthermore, the update includes a toggle that allows SteamOS to boot directly into Desktop Mode by default, serving as a useful tool for users employing Steam Machines as desktop PCs or working with non-native software installations on the Steam Deck. The update is currently available through the client beta branch by adjusting participation settings on the desktop application or SteamOS, and features are expected to migrate to the stable branch following the beta testing period.