Steam has rolled out a new set of accessibility updates in its latest beta release, making the gaming experience more inclusive. Whether you’re using Steam on a PC, Steam Deck, or another SteamOS-powered device, these changes are designed to give you more control over how you interact with games and the Steam interface.
Easier to see and use
If you’ve ever struggled to read small text or differentiate between interface elements, you’ll be pleased with Steam’s new settings. You can now adjust the size of the user interface using a sliding scale, helping you see menus, buttons, and other on-screen elements more clearly. There’s also a new high-contrast mode, which makes it easier to read by increasing the difference between text, buttons, and backgrounds.
Another helpful addition is the reduced motion setting. If you’re sensitive to moving elements on the screen, this option turns off specific animations and page transitions. These features are now available in SteamOS and Big Picture Mode, which offers a full-screen view that’s already popular for its ease of use—especially when playing on a TV or handheld device.
Support for screen readers and colour filters
For SteamOS users, there’s even more good news. The beta now includes screen reader support, helping visually impaired players navigate menus and settings using audio cues. You can adjust the screen reader’s volume, rate, and pitch to suit your needs, offering a more personalised experience.
Steam is also introducing colour filters on SteamOS devices. You can now completely switch to grayscale, invert brightness, or invert colours. These visual settings don’t just apply to the Steam interface but also affect games, giving you a more consistent look throughout your entire session. Whether you need better visibility or prefer a different colour setup, these tools offer more ways to customise your experience.
Only the Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go S are currently running SteamOS, but Valve has bigger plans for this operating system. With this update, the company is clearly laying the groundwork for broader hardware support in the future.
More features are on the way
Valve clarified in their blog post that this is just the beginning. “These new settings are only the first available of the accessibility features we’re working on,” they said. “We’re excited to put even more tools in the hands of our players.”
By launching these updates in beta, Valve is not only allowing early adopters to try out the features but also gathering feedback to refine them further. If you want to try the new tools, opt into the Steam beta through your settings menu.
With these new additions, Steam is taking necessary steps toward making its platform easier for players of all abilities. Whether you need help reading text, navigating menus, or adjusting colours to better suit your vision, Steam’s latest update gives you more control.
