One of the most prominent unofficial utilities for the Steam Deck unexpectedly gives the
A software modder for the Steam Deck has released a major update for their utility suite, introducing new performance enhancements, storage management features, and quality-of-life tweaks.
Tweak your Steam Deck
As a Linux-based device, the Steam Deck is particularly appealing to users who enjoy optimizing and customizing their devices for better performance, with fan-made plugins making this process more accessible.
While Valve is also working on performance improvements for the Steam Deck to coincide with the release of SteamOS 3.5, community members are not resting on their laurels. CryoByte33, a software developer, has launched CryoUtilities 2.0, an updated version of their software suite for the Steam Deck.
CryoUtilities 2.0, the unofficial Steam Deck utilities plugin
This new version includes an in-depth memory tuning tool, a way to synchronize game shaders with their respective installation media, and other features, resulting in a significant increase in performance. CryoByte33 cites a remarkable 43% performance improvement in Grand Theft Auto 5 at low graphics settings, while Red Dead Redemption 2 shows a 5-8% FPS increase.
CryoByte33 has been at the forefront of Steam Deck software modding for some time, with their previous version of CryoTools delivering up to a 25% performance improvement. CryoUtilities 2.0 includes a more extensive selection of tweaks, with a new user interface that makes implementing and reversing recommended edits a breeze.
Over the past year, it has become increasingly clear that a bit of tweaking and customization is required to maximize the Steam Deck’s capabilities. However, this is not a necessity, and the Steam Deck’s 40 FPS mode is an easy-to-use alternative for games that struggle to maintain a stable 60 FPS.
If you think the plugin is a game changer, wait until you hear about Steam Deck reportedly in development for a Solid State Cooling System. Who knows when it will come, but at least fans would love hearing this once in a while.