Steam Client beta adds Big Art Mode and screensaver options

Harper Cole 09/12/2026

Valve has just rolled out a significant beta update for the Steam Client, bringing a suite of visual and functional enhancements designed to completely refresh the user experience, especially for those playing on handheld devices and large television setups. This update introduces features aimed at tailoring the interface for modern living room and portable gaming environments.

At the core of the update is the introduction of Big Art Mode, a redesigned layout that moves away from the traditional side-by-side view. Big Art Mode mimics the aesthetic of a modern console’s home screen, dedicating the majority of the display to striking game artwork. Other titles are neatly displayed in smaller windows, creating a more immersive, visually stunning experience.

Beyond the visual overhaul, the beta also introduces a dedicated screensaver function for Big Picture Mode. When the client is idle, users now have sophisticated options for what to display, including full-screen game art, recent screenshots, or the ability to load custom screensavers from a personal directory. This feature transforms downtime into a chance to appreciate the game’s visuals.

Accessing these exciting new features is seamless, requiring users to opt into the beta channel via Steam’s system settings menu. Once updated, players can toggle the new layout under Settings > Home, and access the screensaver options within Settings > Customisation.

The improvements aren’t limited to aesthetics; the update also delivers tangible performance boosts and crucial quality-of-life fixes. Users can expect faster startup performance across the client. Furthermore, the update includes optimized game recording for select DX12 titles, along with important fixes that eliminate frame-rate hitches that often occur when capturing screenshots during DX11 and DX12 gameplay on Windows.

By layering aesthetic upgrades with technical refinements, Valve is ensuring that the Steam client remains a highly flexible and performant platform, catering perfectly to the unique demands of both handheld gaming and large-screen entertainment setups.