After four months of open beta, Steam has just deployed the new version of Big Picture, its interface dedicated to controller players. This new design is directly inspired by that of the Steam Deck, and as much to say that the result is rather satisfactory.
After giving a second life to its Android and iOS application in October 2022, Steam immediately launched an open beta a new version of Big Picture. As a reminder, Big Picture is a Steam interface designed specifically for TVs and controllers.
In this mode, you can access the entire Steam experience, namely the entire catalog of games, videos and demos, without forgetting all your contacts of course. Big Picture was first launched in 2012and while there have been several redesigns over the past few years, the recent update to Steam’s desktop interface has given Big Picture a big boost.
Steam’s Big Picture interface gets a facelift, here’s what’s new
Fortunately, Valve announced in July 2021 that the Big Picture design would soon be replaced, in favor of an interface inspired by that of the Steam Deck. And precisely, the brand has just announced this Thursday, February 2, 2023 the rollout of the final version of this revamped Big Picture mode. Let’s see together what it offers:
- Added support for switching primary monitor on Windows in Settings > Display > Preferred Display
- Added option to start Big Picture in windowed mode
- Added pinned notifications for new inventory items, trade offers, moderator messages, offline chat messages, and replies to help requests
- Added ability to move standalone and overlay keyboard
- Added icons to indicate partial or full gamepad, VR, or keyboard/mouse support from hovering over a game image in the library
- Added new controller configurator
- Added a parameter to determine a delay of inactivity before the controller turns off
- Added a quick tour of the new Big Picture to familiarize yourself with the latest interface
As a reminder, PlayStation players can since October 2022 link their PSN account on Steam. A practical tool, in particular to take advantage of bonus content on the PC versions of PlayStation games such as God of War, Horizon Zero Dawn or Days Gone and Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered.