“We are preparing to update Big Picture mode with the new interface we designed for the Steam Deck, and starting today you can try it out,” says Valve. “This update has been a long time coming, and we’re excited to start getting feedback from the community. The controller-specific interface was designed for the Steam Deck in handheld and docked mode, and is ideal for all situations where Big Picture mode is currently used.”
Some of the features of the updated Big Picture mode detailed by Valve are:
- New home page, from where you can keep playing recent games and find out what’s new about the games in your library.
- New universal search, offering results from the library, the store and your friends.
- New controller configurator, designed to make it easy to choose, adjust and create custom configurations.
- Steam store optimization to improve controller navigation.
- Updated in-game interface, with access to achievements and guides.
- Press the Steam, Guide or PS button while playing.
- New system menu to quickly go to different parts of the interface.
- You can access it with the Steam, Guide or PS button.
- New quick access menu to access notifications, friends list, quick settings and much more.
- You can access it with the Steam + A button combination.
Valve is currently “putting the final touches on the interface”, but in its current state it is ready for the community to test it and give its opinion. Those interested in participating in the test should sign up for the Steam client beta and modify the Steam shortcut with the following launch parameter: -gamepadui.
Big Picture mode was functional and very useful for bringing the Steam interface into the living room and using a controller, but its look has hardly changed since its release in 2012. Also, Big Picture used the original Debian-based version of Steam OS, while the new one that adopts the Steam Deck interface makes use of Steam OS 3, a more modern version of the operating system that changes to Arch Linux. This Linux distribution is continuously updated which makes it easier for Valve’s operating system to evolve faster.
