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What to know

  • Wired: Connect a compatible controller via a USB-C hub and the Steam Deck will recognize it automatically.
  • Wireless: steam button > Institution > Bluetooth. Put the controller in pairing mode, select it on Steam Deck.

This article explains how to use external controllers on a Steam Deck.



Using controllers on the steam deck

The Steam Deck has built-in highly customizable controls, but they aren’t always the most comfortable for long play sessions. Fortunately, there are other options.


The Steam Deck is compatible with both wired and wireless controllers, and you can even connect multiple controllers at once to play couch co-op with your friends.


You can use wired or wireless controllers with the Steam Deck:


  • wired: This method requires a wired USB connection. If you connect a compatible controller through a USB-C hub or dock, your Steam Deck will automatically recognize it.
  • Wireless: This method requires a compatible Bluetooth controller and you need to pair it with your Steam Deck. Common options include Xbox controllers, PlayStation controllers, and Switch controllers.



Connecting an Xbox controller

The native Steam Deck controls are very similar to the Xbox controls, with the face buttons named and arranged in the same way, and the same iconography for the share and menu buttons, so Xbox controllers work really well with both the Steam Deck and most controllers. – ready steam games.


To connect an Xbox controller to your Steam Deck, the controller must support Bluetooth. Models that support Bluetooth include Xbox Series X/S controllers and the third-generation Xbox One controller that first shipped with the Xbox One S.


If your Xbox controller can’t connect, make sure it supports Bluetooth. If so, try connecting it to your Xbox or PC to update the firmware.

Here’s how to connect an Xbox controller to a Steam Deck:


  1. press the steam button.


  2. Select Settings.


  3. Select Bluetooth.


  4. If the Bluetooth switch is not already on, tap it to turn on Bluetooth.


  5. press the Xbox button on your controller.


  6. Press and hold the connection button until the Xbox button starts blinking.


  7. Select Xbox Wireless Controller.


  8. Your controller connects.


Connecting a PlayStation controller

PlayStation controllers sometimes require third-party apps or additional configuration to work with Steam in Windows, but PS4 and PS4 controllers both work well in Linux. DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers both pair via Bluetooth and work without additional configuration or third-party apps, but the button icons you see on the screen in some games may not match the buttons on your controller.


Here’s how to connect a PlayStation DualShock 4 or DualSense controller to your Steam Deck:


  1. press the steam button on your Steam Deck and select Settings.


  2. Select Bluetooth.


  3. Check the bluetooth switchand tap it if it’s not already enabled.


  4. Press and hold the PS button and Share button (DualShock 4) or Create button (DualSense) at the same time, until the lights on the controller flash.


  5. Select Wireless controller on your Steam Deck.

    Unlike Xbox controllers, your PlayStation controller will be listed with the generic name Wireless Controller. This does not affect the functionality of the controller.

  6. Your controller connects.


Connecting other Bluetooth controllers

The connection process for other Bluetooth controllers, such as Switch Pro controllers and Valve’s own Steam Controller, is the same as for connecting Xbox and PlayStation controllers.


The only difference is the method used to put the controller into pairing mode. For Switch controllers, press the sync button which is located next to the USB-C port. For the Steam Controller, hold the . pressed guide button and the Y button.



Can you play multiplayer on Steam Deck with multiple controllers?

The Steam Deck supports multiple simultaneous controller connections via USB and Bluetooth, so you can connect multiple controllers at once to play with your friends. Connecting too many devices via Bluetooth can be a problem, as can local wireless interference, but it works fine for playing co-op with up to four controllers without a hitch.


The only problem that can occur when connecting multiple controllers to a Steam Deck, it will only recognize one as the primary input. If you want to play a single player game and your controller doesn’t seem to work, you can usually solve the problem by using it as your primary controller


To switch the primary controller on a Steam Deck when you have multiple controllers connected:


  1. With a game open, press the Quick Access Button.

    The Quick Access button looks like three dots (…) on the Steam Deck, but you can also use a button combination on your controller:

    • Xbox: Xbox+A
    • Play station: PS+X
    • Switch: Home+B

  2. Select Rearrange controller order.


  3. Select the controller you want to use and press the selection button (order again).


  4. Use the d-pad to move it up.


  5. press the selection button (stop reordering) again to complete the order.


Which controllers are compatible with Steam Deck?

In addition to popular controllers such as Xbox and PlayStation, many third-party and generic controllers also work with the Steam Deck. The controller must have USB or Bluetooth and must also be compatible with the Steam Deck, but the criteria are quite broad.


Here are some of the controllers that work with a Steam Deck, and the connection types you should be able to use with each controller:


  • Xbox 360: USB
  • Xbox One: USB and Bluetooth (3rd generation)
  • Xbox Series X/S: USB and Bluetooth
  • Switch Pro: USB and Bluetooth
  • PlayStation DualShock 4: USB and Bluetooth
  • PlayStation 5 Dual Sense: USB and Bluetooth
  • steam controller: USB and Bluetooth
  • Generic XInput controllers: Varies
  • DirectInput controllers: Varies


FAQ

  • How much does the Steam Deck cost?

    The Steam Deck is available in three versions, each with a different price. It costs $399 for the 64 GB model, $529 for the 256 GB version and $649 for a 512 GB Steam Deck.

  • Which Steam Deck Model Should I Get?

    Which Steam Deck is right for you depends largely on what you hope to achieve with it. The various internal storage options (64GB, 256GB, and 512GB) are worth considering if you expect to have a larger library of games installed. But otherwise, both the 256GB and 512GB models use solid-state drives (SSD) for storage, which means they can access data faster.

  • Where can I buy a Steam Deck?

    It is possible to find Steam Decks for sale on secondary marketplaces such as eBay, but they usually have a price increase. Currently, the only place to officially purchase a Steam Deck is from Valve itself.