Steam’s New ‘Big Picture Mode’ Looks a Lot Like Steam Deck’s UI

Here's what's new.

Steam releases its new "Big Picture Mode," giving it a much-awaited new look, a design that Steam Deck users have been familiar with.

Valve has been testing the revamped "Big Picture Mode" for quite a while now. And now, the new Steam Deck-inspired design is available to Steam PC users.

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Steam's New 'Big Picture Mode'

As per a report by Windows C2entral, the firm behind Steam, Valve, has been working to ditch the previous Big Picture mode design since 2022.

It comes amid the growing popularity of its handheld gaming console, Steam Deck, which rocks a simpler and intuitive user interface UI. Its software design has been well-received among its users, and as such, PC gamers were also clamoring for the same look.

If Valve did it for its handheld PC device, what stops them from bringing it to Steam users?

It is worth noting that the "Big Picture" option transforms Steam for users with a large monitor or uses a TV as their display and a gaming controller.

Given that, the gaming firm tested it out for roughly four months. And now, the "Big Picture" mode has officially escaped its beta stage.

Steam Deck-Inspired Design

GameSpot notes in its news story that the new "Big Picture" has started rolling out to Steam PC users. The update essentially brings the UI that Steam Deck users have been enjoying for quite some time now.

Much like the design of the handheld gaming machine, the new update offers a simpler home screen. It now sports a "Recent Games" section, allowing users to easily access the gaming titles they have recently played.

The new home screen also features a "What's New" tab that puts the spotlight on ongoing and upcoming in-game events. Not to mention that it also shows the latest news on the various game offerings.

The other two tabs are Friends and Recommended, giving users easy access to new games and what their friends are up to.

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According to Euro Gamer, the revamped look also brings new exciting features besides the fresh look. It now offers users a universal search and a new configurator for gaming controllers.

The update also introduces new menu settings, including a quick-access menu and a system menu. The revamped "Big Picture" UI also makes it easier for Steam gamers to check out their achievements and guides to their games.

If you want to check out all the nooks and crannies of the new "Big Picture Mode," check out the Steam full patch notes.

Teejay Boris
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