Valve has released an update to the Proton 9 experimental channel that includes support for NVIDIA DLSS 3, a technology that enables generate images using AI and hardware acceleration. This technology is only compatible with GeForce RTX 40, which are the most advanced that the green giant currently has on the market.

With this update Support for next-gen games on Linux is improvedand compatibility with one of the most important and revolutionary technologies of the current generation is introduced. I’m not exaggerating, image generation through NVIDIA DLSS 3 creates images with higher image quality and stability than other similar technologies, and also significantly improves fluidity.

This is undoubtedly the most important new feature that this update brings, but it is not the only one. Valve also confirmed it now you can play new titles with Proton 9.0-3 and states the following:

• APB reloaded.
• Total War: SHOGUN 2.
• Welcome to Dusttown.
• Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 (disable Steam layer).
• Sniper Elite: Nazi Zombie Army 2 (only on AMD GPUs).
• Unlimited Solar Crown test drive.
• Fixed chip demo.
• Conqueror’s Blade.
• ScarQuest.

We see it in the description of the new functions some bugs have been fixed in Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast, Hard Reset Redux, and Dragon Age: The Veilguard.

Linux gaming is constantly evolving and improving, and in this case Valve is a big driver. Remember that the company led by Gabe Newerll has done an excellent job with SteamOS, the operating system from which it is derived ArchLinux which uses Proton compatibility layer move games that were designed for Windows.

This will help you understand why Valve is so interested in further improving support, features and technology compatible with Proton. At the same time, I have to admit that it is very strange that such efforts were made to include NVIDIA DLSS 3 support in Proton, Does it tell us something between the lines?

It’s impossible to say for sure, really, but I have to admit that I couldn’t help but think of a Steam Deck 2 with NVIDIA GPUs and support for NVIDIA DLSS 3. I know that it’s highly unlikely that Valve would decide to go for this configuration, but we have to admit that it would be very interesting, and that It would bring some fresh air to the AMD dominated market.