Steam Big Picture Mode gets Big Art and a new screensaver
Steam’s latest client update gives Big Picture Mode a larger visual overhaul, adds a screensaver system and expands Remote Play support.
Steam has rolled out a substantial client update focused on Big Picture Mode, adding a new Big Art presentation, a screensaver system and a selection of wider performance and Remote Play changes, according to Valve’s official patch notes.1
Big Picture gets a visual refresh
Big Picture Mode is Steam’s controller-friendly interface for launching games, browsing the store and using the service from a television or handheld PC. The new Big Art mode gives recently played games a larger presence at the top of the home screen, replacing the previous faint background treatment with more prominent key art.1
The update also adds a screensaver that activates after five minutes without input. It can display recent screenshots, artwork from recently played games or custom screensavers. Valve has included a retro-inspired bouncing Steam logo option, echoing the old DVD-player screensaver that still haunts an entire generation of living rooms.1
Remote Play and wider client changes
Valve has also added Pyrowave to Remote Play after its earlier beta rollout. The codec, created by Hans-Kristian Arntzen, is intended to support low-latency streaming at higher bandwidth, with Valve recommending a wired connection for the computer running the game.1
The patch notes also cover Steam startup performance, Linux improvements, Steam Input changes and further client fixes. Big Art can be adjusted from the Home tab in Settings, while screensaver options sit under Customization.1
Our opinion
This is a more meaningful Steam client update than the usual collection of small fixes. Big Art gives a controller-first interface a clearer visual identity, while the screensaver is a tiny but oddly welcome bit of personality. The practical value will depend on how well the new presentation behaves across different libraries, but Valve is making Big Picture feel more like a living-room platform rather than a menu bolted onto desktop Steam.
The update is available now through the Steam client. Valve’s full patch notes contain the complete list of changes.1