Deck freezes and logo spins infinitely when starting a game

[dancs-dev]

Your system information

• Steam client version: 1759461205
• SteamOS version: 3.7.15
• Opted into Steam client beta?: No
• Opted into SteamOS beta?: No
• Have you checked for updates in Settings > System?: Yes

Please describe your issue in as much detail as possible:

Describe what you expected should happen and what did happen.

• The Steam Deck frequently freezes / hangs when loading up a game.
  • The Steam logo will spin infinitely
  • Sometimes I can hear the game music in the background.
  • The power button does not work.
  • I can tap the touch screen and click on menu to open and navigate the Deck interface, but nothing actually responds.
    • For example, I can navigate to power, but when I tap on restart, nothing happens.
    • I also can't close the game either.
  • The only solution is to press and hold on the power button and then restart the Deck.
• Obviously, the expected behaviour is that the Deck should not hard crash when launching a game (especially a verified game).

Steps for reproducing this issue:

After a lot of experimenting, this is how I could reliably reproduce the issue:

1. Connect a PS4 controller over Bluetooth.
2. Launch Vampire Survivors. This game always works fine.
3. Close Vampire Survivors.
4. Open Stardew Valley. There is a high chance the issue will now occur.

What I have tried to fix the issue:

• I searched online and saw people suggest disabling 'Use as Wake Movie', but I already have that disabled.
• Using a wired PS4 controller appears to improve the reliability (I tried the steps to reproduce about 10 times and it was fine - however a similar freeze later occurred when playing Forza Horizon 5 - the game loaded and loading spinner was gone, but the system was frozen).
• I first noticed this issue when docked - however I have confirmed that the issue can also occur when undocked.
• The issue also occurs with other games (Biped), but I have specified the games above as I know the issue can be reliably reproduced.