Valve has released a new Steam Deck beta client update that improves Remote Play with HDR streaming, AV1 video support, better colour handling, and additional fixes for local network game transfers.
The update is available through the Beta and Preview software channels on Steam Deck. It is intended for players who want to test new features before they reach the stable client.
The most significant addition is HDR streaming for the Steam Deck OLED. Owners can now receive a high dynamic range video stream from a compatible host PC, giving supported games a wider range of brightness and colour during Remote Play sessions.
Valve has also introduced AV1 streaming through the experimental SteamRT3 client. AV1 can provide better image quality at a given bitrate than older video codecs, although performance will depend on the hardware used by both the host computer and the Steam Deck.
HDR streaming is limited to the Steam Deck OLED
The original Steam Deck uses an LCD display without HDR support, so the new HDR streaming feature applies specifically to the OLED model.
When the host PC, game, operating system, and display settings are configured correctly, HDR can improve highlights, dark scenes, and colour depth. Games with strong lighting effects may show the greatest visual difference.
Remote Play still depends heavily on network quality. A stable local connection is important because HDR video can require more data, especially when combined with higher frame rates and resolutions.
| Update feature | What it changes |
|---|---|
| HDR streaming | Adds HDR Remote Play support on Steam Deck OLED |
| AV1 streaming | Enables AV1 through the experimental SteamRT3 client |
| Improved colour range | Reduces incorrect or limited video colour output |
| Transfer fix | Resolves more cases where local game transfers would not begin |
| Availability | Beta and Preview channels |
The update also improves the video colour range used during Remote Play. Incorrect colour range handling can make an image look washed out or crush detail in dark areas.
Valve has not explained every technical change behind the improvement, but the result should be more accurate colour reproduction during streaming.
AV1 could improve streaming efficiency
AV1 is a modern video compression format designed to provide strong visual quality while using less bandwidth than some older codecs.
This could help Steam Deck owners receive a cleaner image without increasing network usage. It may also reduce compression artefacts in fast moving scenes, although the result depends on encoding settings and hardware support.
The new AV1 option requires the experimental SteamRT3 client. Since the feature is still being tested, players may encounter compatibility issues or inconsistent performance.
Hardware encoding support on the host PC will also matter. Systems without suitable AV1 encoding hardware may rely on slower software processing or may not support the feature effectively.
Players who value reliability may prefer to remain on the stable client until Valve completes more testing.
Local network transfers receive another fix
The update addresses additional cases where local network game transfers failed to begin.
Steam can copy installed game files between devices connected to the same local network. This can be faster than downloading the entire game again and can reduce internet data use.
The feature is useful for households with several PCs, a desktop and Steam Deck combination, or slower internet connections. However, some players have experienced situations where the transfer did not start and Steam returned to a normal download.
Valve had already released fixes for local transfers, and this update targets more of the remaining failure cases.
The update must be enabled manually
Steam Deck owners can install the beta client through the system settings.
The update channel must be changed from Stable to Beta or Preview. After the change, the system will download and install the latest test software.
Beta updates can contain bugs, so they are better suited to players comfortable with testing unfinished features. Anyone who experiences problems can return to the Stable channel through the same settings menu.
The update does not require every Steam Deck owner to change channels. HDR streaming, AV1 support, and the other improvements are expected to reach the stable client later if testing is successful.
This release gives Remote Play a meaningful upgrade, particularly for Steam Deck OLED owners. HDR support improves the device’s ability to display modern PC games remotely, while AV1 offers a possible route to better image quality and more efficient streaming.
The additional colour and transfer fixes also address practical problems that can affect everyday use. For players who regularly stream games from a desktop PC, the beta update provides several useful improvements worth testing.
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