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Gamebixby > Gaming News > How to use an external controller on a steam deck
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How to use an external controller on a steam deck

Published April 9, 2025 8 Min Read
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Table of Contents

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  • The right way to use an Xbox controller on a Steam deck
  • The right way to use a PlayStation controller on a Steam deck
  • The right way to use the Nintendo Swap Professional Controller on a Steam Deck
  • The right way to use a steam controller on a steam deck
  • The right way to use a wired USB controller on a steam deck
    • What controllers are suitable with steam decks?
    • Can I join a number of controllers to a steam deck?

How do I exploit an exterior controller on my Steam deck? There is no such thing as a scarcity of PC controllers suitable with steam decks, however connecting them to Valve’s moveable is finished in a wide range of methods. This information covers all types of controllers for wired and wi-fi connections.

Steam decks proceed to have a bonus as the very best handheld gaming PC, even when they aren’t essentially the most highly effective. It is simple to make use of the very best PC controller with a valve handheld, however the connection methodology could fluctuate relying on the pad you select.

The right way to use an Xbox controller on a Steam deck

Bluetooth units will be fiddly, however it looks like Steamos is avoiding the entire thing. In the event you’ve ever wirelessly linked your Xbox controller to Home windows 11 with out an Xbox wi-fi adapter, the next steps must be a bit acquainted:

  • Within the steam deck, go to (Settings)> (Bluetooth).
  • Activate Bluetooth after which press and maintain the Pair button on the controller.
  • Look forward to the controller to look on the display, then choose it with the Pair button.
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It’s value noting that the preliminary model of the unique Xbox One controller is just not suitable through Bluetooth. So, maintain that in thoughts earlier than choosing up one to be used in your Steam deck. Moreover, the valve method is roughly the identical, so that you needn’t spend a lot time configuring the pad format.

The right way to use a PlayStation controller on a Steam deck

In the event you’re a PlayStation fan, chances are you’ll already personal a DualShock 4 or DualSense, and Sony’s pads are additionally suitable with steam decks. This is find out how to hyperlink a PS4 or PS5 controller to a Valve handheld:

  • Go to (Settings)>(Bluetooth) and switch it on
  • Press and maintain the PlayStation emblem and share button till the LED gentle flashes
  • Spotlight “Wi-fi Controller” on the steam deck display and press A to pair

Identical to with Xbox pads, you do not have to spend a lot time configuring the format of your PlayStation controller. That mentioned, most video games will get a warning in regards to the sport’s buttons as a result of they do not match the built-in UI parts. In different phrases, you’d wish to ignore Sony’s iconic symbols and take a extra positional method to the press.

The right way to use the Nintendo Swap Professional Controller on a Steam Deck

The Nintendo Swap Professional Controller helps the very best platform video games shine, so it is easy to see why you wish to pair them together with your Steam deck. Older Nintendo peripherals aren’t that good on gaming PCs, however you’ll be able to join your Professional Controller to Steamos utilizing three easy steps.

  • Dive into (Settings)>(Bluetooth) and ensure it’s on.
  • Press the pairing button on the high of the Professional Controller.
  • Spotlight “Professional Controller” on the display and press A
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The Nintendo Swap Professional controller should be linked to the Steam deck. Identical to Palm Companions on Xbox and PlayStation, you needn’t configure buttons. Most video games use Microsoft’s pad format, so you will have to ignore the face button labels in your controller, however the remainder of the experiences must be seamless.

You can even arm your steam deck with the Nintendo Swap Joycons, however you’ll not hyperlink it natively as a pair. To do that, that you must use a selected Arch Linux software to synchronize Joycons and use them as a singular controller.

The right way to use a steam controller on a steam deck

Whereas a steam deck controller will be thought-about a {hardware} flop, its trackpad is the right gaming mouse substitute. Particularly if you wish to sit back on the couch and play Empire Age 4. Earlier than pairing the 2 valve units, that you must be certain that your GamePad firmware is updated. If it is out of the way in which, it’s best to have the ability to introduce your ancestor to a handheld:

  • Soar to (Settings)>(Bluetooth) and ensure it’s on.
  • Press the Y and middle emblem buttons in your Steam controller.
  • Choose the controller on the display and click on to pair it.

The Steam Controller makes use of nearly equivalent buttons and trackpad layouts for the deck. Which means that it provides your thumb an analogous expertise to a handheld. Notice that you just’re packing just one joystick. This makes the format really feel a bit quirky.

The right way to use a wired USB controller on a steam deck

Steam decks spend a number of time on code-free, however will be linked to a wired USB controller. If you’re planning to attach on to the hand-held, you have to use a USB-C cable or an adapter that helps USB-A.

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The official steam deck dock hasn’t arrived but, however it ought to make utilizing the wired gamepad a bit simpler. Not solely does it supply an expanded variety of USB ports, however it ought to really feel each nasty and a bit protected when plugged into the dock relatively than moveable.

What controllers are suitable with steam decks?

Steamos helps a variety of controllers and permits you to configure most choices for optimum compatibility. It is a checklist of gamepads formally suitable with steam decks.

  • Steam controller
  • PlayStation DualShock 4
  • PlayStation 5 Twin Sense
  • Xbox 360 controller
  • Xbox One Controller
  • Xbox Sequence X/S Controller
  • Generic XINPUT Controller
  • Any DirectInput GamePad

In keeping with Valve, different enter units may go even when they aren’t formally supported by Stemos. So it is most likely value experimenting as you can doubtlessly use your favourite pads in a conveyable powerhouse.

Can I join a number of controllers to a steam deck?

Like a PC, a number of controllers will be linked to a steam deck for multiplayer gameplay. The variety of simultaneous Bluetooth connections you’ll be able to create could fluctuate, however it’s best to have the ability to comfortably join 4 or extra pads to your deck wirelessly. You can even join a wired choice, however the gadget solely has one USB-C port, so you have to use a hub or docking station.

You’ll be able to observe us on Google Information’ Each day PC Video games Information, Opinions and Guides. There may be additionally a full of life group of Discord Server. You’ll be able to chat with staff members and fellow readers about this story.

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