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Do you want to know how to connect an Xbox controller to Steam Deck? A controller might be better for you than the Steam Deck, so you might want to use one. We will show you how to play with a controller in this article. You can use an Xbox controller, a Steam controller, a PlayStation DualShock controller, a Nintendo Switch controller, or any other third-party wireless controller or external gaming controller.
Valve Corporation made the Steam Deck, which is a portable gaming computer. The newly released Steam Deck will work like the Nintendo Switch because it can be played on the go or by connecting to a TV. The built-in gaming inputs on this x86-64-v3 system can be used to play any game in the Steam library, even Windows PC games. The Linux-based Proton compatibility layer makes this possible. The system is an open platform, which means that users can add games or operating systems that work with it. Here are the steps how to connect an Xbox controller to Steam Deck.
What is the Steam Deck?
Valve made the Steam Deck, which is a portable, handheld game console. To put it simply, the console lets people play games from the popular online store Steam while they’re out and about. But this isn’t the only way it can be used. Compared to the Nintendo Switch, Valve’s console can do a lot more and can be customized by the user. The console comes with a Linux-based OS, but you can install Windows on it if you want to. Valve provides all the free tools and drivers you need. The console can also be used as a portable PC when not playing games.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 7-inch 1280×800 LCD touchscreen |
| CPU | AMD APU with four Zen 2 cores and eight RDNA 2 compute units |
| GPU | 1.6 TFLOPS of performance |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB NVMe SSD |
| MicroSD card slot | Supports up to 2TB cards |
| Operating system | SteamOS 3.0 |
| Price | Check Price |
When hooked up to a Steam Deck dock, it works with external controllers, mice, keyboards, monitors, and displays. Valve’s Linux-based operating system, SteamOS, is used by the Valve Steam Deck. It was designed to be used for Steam gaming and looks like a Nintendo Switch. Players can connect it to a monitor or TV and pair controllers, mice, or keyboards with it. It can play games that were made for Windows and lets you pause and resume games, just like other portable gaming devices.
How to connect an Xbox controller to Steam Deck
- Press the Steam button on your Steam Deck.
- Go to Settings and then Bluetooth.
- If it’s not already, make sure the Bluetooth switch is on.
- Press the Xbox button on your controller.
- Next, press and hold the back button that says “Pair.” It’s time for the Xbox button to flash.
- When you’re back on your Steam Deck, go to the Bluetooth menu and choose Game Controller.
Why would you want to connect an Xbox controller to a Steam Deck?
- Games that work with each other: A lot of games on Steam are made to work with controllers, even Xbox controllers. It is easier and more fun to play these games when you connect an Xbox controller to a Steam Deck.
- Some gamers like the way Xbox controllers feel and are laid out better than other controllers. You can use your favorite controller for a consistent gaming experience when you use an Xbox controller on a Steam Deck.
- Versatility: Xbox controllers can be used with a number of different gaming systems, such as PCs and Xbox consoles. If you use the same controller on multiple gaming devices, it can be easier to switch between them.
- Multiple Controllers: If you want to play local multiplayer or co-op games on the Steam Deck, having more than one controller, like an Xbox controller, can be necessary for a fun time.
- Ease of Use: Xbox controllers are known for being ergonomically designed and easy to use. This means that a lot of gamers can use them, even those who find other controllers harder to get the hang of.
- Customization: Many Xbox controllers have options for customization that let you make the controller fit your needs. This can mean changing the way buttons work or using special edition controllers with cool designs.
Compatibility of Xbox Controllers with Steam Deck
| Xbox controller | Compatibility with Steam Deck |
|---|---|
| Xbox One Controller | Fully compatible |
| Xbox Series X/S Controller | Fully compatible |
| Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 | Fully compatible |
| Xbox Adaptive Controller | Fully compatible |
| Xbox Wireless Controller for Windows 10 | Fully compatible |
| Xbox Cloud Gaming Controller | Fully compatible |
| Third-party wired Xbox controllers | Generally compatible, but may vary depending on the controller. |
Benefits of using an Xbox controller with a Steam Deck
- Familiarity: Many gamers are already accustomed to the Xbox controller’s layout and feel, making it a comfortable and intuitive choice for gaming on the Steam Deck.
- Wide Compatibility: Xbox controllers are well-supported across various gaming platforms, including Windows PCs and Xbox consoles, ensuring broad compatibility with Steam games and other gaming services.
- Quality Build: Xbox controllers are known for their durable construction and quality components, providing a reliable and long-lasting gaming accessory.
- Wireless Connectivity: Xbox controllers can connect wirelessly to the Steam Deck, offering freedom of movement without the need for a cable. This enhances the portability and convenience of the Steam Deck.
- Responsive Controls: Xbox controllers offer precise and responsive inputs, which are crucial for many games, especially competitive and fast-paced titles.
- Customization: Xbox controllers often come with customizable buttons and profiles, allowing gamers to tailor their controls to their preferences and gaming style.
Questions and Answers
A lot of Bluetooth controllers work with the Steam Deck, just like they do with a gaming laptop. With the Steam Deck, you can use any Xbox controller, any Sony DualSense controller, any third-party wired Xbox controller, or even the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
The Microsoft Xbox Core Controller is a great choice because it has the same A/B/X/Y button layout as the Steam Deck. You can also get the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller if you have more money. It has extra buttons that you can set up in different ways to make gaming even easier.
A lot of different headsets can connect to the Steam Deck via Bluetooth, USB-C, and its 3.5mm headphone jack. The Steam Deck handles all of its audio needs with PipeWire, a standard Linux audio system. It also handles Bluetooth audio.
The best thing about the Xbox controller is that you don’t have to change the controls to make it work, and the on-screen button prompts match the controller. When you use the DualSense controller, you’ll often get Xbox button prompts instead of PS4 ones. You might have trouble because the Steam Controller doesn’t have a right stick.