connecting a steam controller in 2024

[@Mennenth]

EDIT: MAKE SURE YOU ACTUALLY EXTRACT THE CONTENTS OF THE DOWNLOADED .ZIP FOLDER I sort of glazed over that part for brevity, but you cant simply double click to open the archive and flash from there. You do actually have to extract the contents for it to work (right click, extract, all that jazz). Of course, if Valve actually bothered to properly support their own controller through their own controller ui then this wouldnt be a point of confusion. OH! Info I forgot to include: Even if you update to the bluetooth firmware, if you can get your hands on one of the proprietary dongles it is better to connect through it. The proprietary dongle is lower latency compared to bluetooth. While there is no need to, if you have the dongle you can still update the firmware as there is no harm in that. Having bluetooth as an option is good for compatibility (steam link through an app, one less thing to worry about carrying around with your Deck, etc)

[@FinalFantasyRainbowDash]

For some reason my controller's guide button flashes for 10 seconds when I turn it on and then the controller turns off anything I can do for it?

[@q33ny044]

Thank you! I was really sceptical at first, and there might be some parts in the video that could be edited, but: I am glad I watched it from start to finish. I really appreciated your thorough instructions and well expressed concerns and comments. Everything was quite helpful, and I was able to make my controller work again. Again, thanks for the great demonstration and tutorial!

[@ryumewukowu]

Appreciate the guide! Been playing games with local co op a lot more than I used to so I decided to buy some used steam controllers so I had more than 1 to pair with my Steam Deck in its Dock, l updated the firmware on my original one way back and then never used big picture mode again. One of the controllers ended up being new in an unsealed box missing the proprietary connector, but never set up unlike the others I bought that were used and updated already. I panicked when I realized the add a new steam controller and all the set up pop ups were gone and your video is the first thing that actually helped instead of being super outdated info.

[@C4r1ssy]

The fact you just have a brand new controller just lying around is such an insane flex 😭😭

[@TheDocCroc]

My two are basically new, I bought them with the steam machine when that was a think lol. Only bad thing is they went unused for so long the batteries on the left side corroded leaving acid in the port, but I just cleaned em and they work like a charm! Too bad I ripped apart my steam machine years ago to get the hdd for my first pc. Tossed the remainder of it a few months ago. Would have been cool to still have it

[@Armstrongdickpunch]

I just found and bought a new unopened one, was a bit expensive compared to what they use to be but not terribly priced considering their hard to find new lol

[@dananon2112]

I still have one unboxed. I own three.

[@gemshards6062]

Fun fact: Apparently, if you used your steam controller and firmware spontaneously combusted by connecting controller to pc via wire, after batteries was drained - you cannot reupdate it without pressing "deregister controller" button that was in old big picture... I wasted whole 10 days of failed updates and surfing the internet to obtain this knowledge At least I'm super happy that now everything works

[@israelsedano1144]

Wait so what are you supposed to do to fix it? Nothing?

[@gemshards6062]

I managed to revive it only by connecting it to a super old build of Steam that was lying around on my friends laptop without being connected to the network. But yeah, at that time, Steam support told me, "That's not our priority right now" I hope it fixed now, but it's too stressful to check it 😅. I don't wanna brick it again, so I will never connect it to a wire 🤣🤣🤣

[@whistlingsage9817]

Edit: It worked! Thank you for putting in so much work to upload this video! Straightforward, clear instructions are hard to find regarding this issue. Also, thank you for providing the link to the correct update .zip file, because there are several sources linking outdated files. You were right about the need for a good USB cable; the only cable that worked for me was the one that came with my Controller, and I had a heck of a time finding it.

[@Space_Pad]

Thank you for the video. Haven't had to replace my Steam controller with a new one yet, but when that day comes the update guide will come in handy. It is a shame Linux users are left out given the popularity of the Steam Deck.

[@greymamith7270]

guess its time for me to set up my 7 new in box steam controllers so they have the firmware for when my current one inevitably dies one day.

[@JxcksonSF]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO!!! i have a steam controller that the bluetooh didnt worked anymore, i tought it was broken. gave it one more chance and it worked 😭😭😭😭😭😭 i love you.

[@AuxCart]

Your sacrifice is appreciated!

[@AdamSaeed]

I picked one a few days back. It's so sad that Valve abandoned it like that. Whenever I visit a game page, it would have a tag saying "this game supports your Xbox controller", but I never owned an Xbox controller. Also, when trying to filter to games that support a specific controller, Steam Controller isn't on the list

[@Mennenth]

While not called out specifically, the tag for Steam Controller support is done through "Steam Input support" Unfortunately, that tag is a self report on the devs part so its been inconsistently applied. Some games that do use Steam Input dont have the tag, and some games that dont use Steam Input do have the tag. Its... frustrating, to say the least.

[@ColorfulCountess]

TY TY TY a million times! I had been trying everything and this got my controller going fairly painlessly. Also, I appreciate you leaving the progress bar time in there. It helped me to know that it was still going and that I should be patient.

[@WTW886]

I lose my Bluetooth receiver and can't find BLE update in stream , now after update my steam controller work again and work great with pc ! thanks !

[@brond.8009]

you took one for the team, respect.

[@benjaminthorpe3380]

I just picked up a new one off of ebay for $105. I'm loving it. I can't believe more people haven't even tried it. I told all my friends and showed them. It's definitely a muscle memory retrain. But oh does it pay off.

[@Spengas]

dang, i bout mine for $8 lol

[@3rdGamer]

I just bought two steam controllers for $10

[@tajemniczepulchnecos2074]

I bought my steam controller when steam was getting rid of the last in stock for around 15$, i use it once a few months, specially for games like Jurassic world evolution 1 and 2. It just feels natural. Didn't know valve did this...

[@Silentwaytogo]

Thanks for the tutorial on getting the steam controller to work on my pc via bluetooth. My brother gave me a Steam controller he found for $5 a year ago and I am looking forward to using it.

[@greatstoneplanet]

This allowed me to pair my Steam Controller with my android tablet to use playing games through the Steam Link app.

[@criteecgaming]

Found a brand new one on eBay to replace my almost 10yr old one that wasn't working very good and never knew I could Bluetooth it. This worked perfectly. I read the notes from steam but wasn't 100% sure what they were wanting me to do. Only thing I'd add is Steam said to make sure to remove the batteries, which you did, I'm assuming to be sure it isn't connected in any other way than usb wired. I just bought this new one so it's perfect timing for Valve to announce a new one to be released!

[@user-zu2fh7lg8f]

Wtf nothing happens when i press Confirm Paired Device. It just keeps blinking it eventually time outs

[@ltmotley4481]

Thank you man you saved me! i thought i had to buy a new dongle and this fixed my problem.

[@leelandy1990]

really great video i had to dust off my 8 year old windows 10 laptop to do the job. only took 2 hours of trying to figure out why the bat file wasnt working to realise only certain micro usb leads work luckily the 5th one worked

[@YogertPC]

Very useful, my controllers finally work with my receiver after years of being wired only

[@Travestyyy]

This video was super helpful. Thank you so much!

[@dchester22]

THANK YOU SO MUCH YOU HAVE JUST SAVED ME SO MANY TEARS

[@adonisvillain]

sadly og reddit thread was deleted bought one for 70$ today. hope it's gonna update

[@NEBUL4]

Sometimes dunno why you must run Steam as Admin, or the steamcontroller will be as a mouse and keyboard.

[@maynardmann1518]

THANK YOU SO MUCH saved my SC after my dongle craped out love this thing

[@cliffseagull]

fantastically helpful video! thanks for this!

[@thegixlad27]

I’ve been trying to get the Steam Controller to work with the Steam Deck OLED. I plugged the controller dongle into the USB C port with an adapter, and the controller simply kept beeping on and off it would never stay connected and I don’t know what to do. So… I followed this guide updated the firmware via my windows laptop and… once it was all updated went to connect to my steam deck and the controller went absolutely wild like my steam deck got hacked! I’ve turned the Bluetooth off, it seems like it just doesn’t want to behave on the steam deck unfortunately. I don’t know what to do.

[@aussiedigger1441]

Interesting it went crazy after updating, maybe its Linux? I just got mine in the mail today & it came with the dongle and worked straight away with my oled SD. I used a Samsung adapter.

[@Guaranteed_JET]

Thank you very much! This guide was very helpful

[@uncleseano]

Very helpful thanks man

[@Master_Dodge]

Thanks Man, you are a legend!

[@TheRidiculousR]

for me personally i cant get the controller to pair with the dongle after updating to bluetooth, nothing happens when i click on "pair a steam controller" and regardless of what buttons i press while starting the steam controller, it always goes to bluetooth mode. i have absolutely no idea what is wrong and why

[@someonesomeone529]

Do I have to do the FW update for some specific reason? I bought a used SC like 2 years ago and connected it just by using the instructions that came with the box. I didn't do any FW update but it works normally, i guess... Does the FW update fix some issue or does something better?

[@Mennenth]

You dont need to, but it doesnt hurt anything either. Having Bluetooth is nice if you ever lose the dongle or want to use it on something you cant plug the dongle into.

[@someonesomeone529]

@@Mennenth oh I see. Thanks!

[@jonathanmoore5956]

Hey man, great video. Im having some problems. Ive followed all the steps, downloaded and unzipped the files. When i run the ble file i get an error msg pop up saying code execution cannot proceed. Any ideas? Many thanks

[@Mennenth]

basic sanity checks; are you using windows, or another os? it will only work on windows does the tool have proper permissions in windows? try right click run as admin, for instance? does the usb cable you are using support data, or is it charge/power only? it must support data other than that, I'm not sure what the problem would be. it bothers me endlessly that Valve has decided to do it this way moving forward precisely because of all the potential problems that can pop up.

[@MrJames_Bondage]

025 "I dont know what they call that stuff, but that little black controller, man, you know stop playin. I mean if they give me one right now Ill tear it up live "

[@AHalfDeadDuckee]

I have been able to get the controller connected to the dongle without steam, but when I go to pair controller in steam, it can never recognize the controller and I can’t access steam input in my games. Help please!!!

[@Mennenth]

that unfortunately sounds like one of the more annoying bugs, relating to how the controllers get paired to accounts. Account pairing/unpairing was part of the old ui, but unfortunately Valve doesnt see the point in having steam controller specific features in the new ui (which is why the cli firmware tool is needed in the first place). IIRC someone has an archived old steam version somewhere that does have that functionality... but please be careful going that route as such executables may have malicious code in them.

[@AHalfDeadDuckee]

@@Mennenth thank you, yeah I was hoping there would be another option other than installing the old UI

[@kerbalkerman6827]

@@Mennenth Are you saying that a second hand controller will not pair with a different account?

[@Mennenth]

@@kerbalkerman6827 if its old enough to have already been paired to an account (the new ui doesnt do controller account pairing at all), then you might have problems assuming that bug is still happening (there was supposed to be an update that wiped paired accounts). IDK if reflashing the firmware will reset it, or if you have to find an archived steam version. I've tapped a Valve dev on the shoulder about this. Hopefully it gets resolved.

[@angelazuniga-jones9539]

So I had this issue and it was actually because I was using the beta version of steam os, when I downgraded to stable the controller worked fine. Hopefully that helps someone.

[@athetos-4479]

thanks i have been using mine for like 7 years now,

[@ragnakak]

For anyone interested, I tried using the steam controller on my android google tv box. I was able to pair the controller successfully, but the only input the device seemed to recognize was the right thumbpad as a mouse cursor. It would be cool if someone figured out a workaround to get full functionality.

[@Mennenth]

what you are describing is "lizard mode" basically, the Steam Controller relies on Steam (or a 3rd party remapper like ReWASD or linux focused SC-Controller) running for all its customizations. Without that, it acts like you mentioned; a mouse cursor with a smattering of mouse and keyboard buttons. Typically, bluetoothing to android is more for when using the Steam Link app to stream your steam games from your pc to your android device (phone, tablet, either hooked up to a tv, a smart tv itself, etc). If you want to use the Steam Controller as a gamepad on the android device itself, you'd need to write a custom driver for it. "Lizard mode" is intentional; the original idea was that when paired with a steam machine (or any pc in a living room situation), the controller could - on its own - get you from cold boot to steam running where further customization can be done.

[@Krampus7777]

​@@MennenthUuuuuugggggggghhh

[@HiImWatson]

I downloaded the BLE.bat and I just can't get it to connect with anything. I don't know what to do. If this means anything, whenever i plug it in, windows says device not recognized and the controller turns off, but it worked a little while ago and in lizard mode. do you know how i can fix this?

[@NovaKhaos]

Hm, in linux i tried to play with gyro in few games. And after 10-20 minutes i get gyro drifft or a small movement of gyro make 360-720 degrees wheel spinning. I think i have the last firmware installed.

[@josharghhhh]

so I have my steam controller i just pulled out of a box with the original veritcal dongle adapter and controller. any idea what these are worth or should I keep it or try and sell ?:) based in Aus

[@Mennenth]

its msrp was $50 usd. idk how that would convert to other currencies. If its fully new in box you might be able to get more for it, if not then maybe slightly less. Could always learn to use it though ;)

[@bradfabre580]

So I have tried everything and I am trying to find a solution. But I ran the ble.bat and the command screen will count down then just close out nothing happens. What am I doing wrong? I hope and pray I get a response! Thank you very much!

[@Mennenth]

it closing out is normal. does the controller beep, or does literally nothing happen?

[@bradfabre580]

@@Mennenth the ble.bat will count down the 4 seconds then crash no other text is shown like it is trying to update. No beep as well on the controller.

[@Mennenth]

@@bradfabre580 just to sanity check, are you using a usb cable capable of data? or is the cable damaged in some way?

[@bradfabre580]

I think I got it this time! I needed to extract files after download. Duh. Sorry for wasting your time. Excellent video!

[@Mennenth]

@@bradfabre580 thats a step I sort of glazed over in the video. thanks for letting me know! I apologize you had to go through that frustration because I wasnt as completely thorough as I should have been. I now have a pinned comment emphasizing the need to fully extract the folder. you've made the video better.

[@filippocongiu6109]

Is been all day i'm trying to fix this and keep showing to me and error line after the ''attempting to update via bootloader'' can someone explain it to me what that means?

[@Jamie_D]

steam and b didn't work for me, no devices shown up for Bluetooth, but i tried stea and y and it worked

[@Treviath]

You can rename a Steam Controller on a Steam Deck. Probably also in desktop BPM.

[@Powerslide15]

I found a used one without the BT dongle. It powers on, but is completely unresponsive(EDIT: Unresponsive while connected vis usb, when it's trying to pair via BT the trackpad vibrates) . Any suggestions? All I get when trying to do the update provided is this before closing out: Updating controller firmware Attempting to update via bootloader... Error opening device. Waiting for 0 seconds, press CTRL+C to quit ... Attempting to send to wired controller... Updating radio firmware Attempting to update via USB..............

[@PotatoGaming3464]

to connect the steam controller to a new device you have to press 'steam' and 'Y' to pair it thhen when you next turn it on press 'Steam' and 'B'

[@Vinciri]

omg thank you! it paired for me while following the video but the sensitivity was haywire! so i had to disconnect and it just wouldnt reconnect until i read your comment! youre a lifesaver!

[@sengan2475]

If you already have this firmware will it brick it? I bought a used one and don't know if it has latest firmware

[@TheRat238]

Thank u a lot bro.

[@dragonsnackproductions]

Thnka you for this video! :) can you please help me understand HOW TO enable touch WSAD movement or joypad movement on the new steam input? I only get it to work on press....

[@shinigamiauthor]

i (and many) really wish Valve would make a Steam Controller 2 or something. on one hand, i have zero hope, cause SC was pretty much a failure, but the Deck is such a massive success... i dunno.

[@Ryochan7]

I would say the Deck would have been a massive failure if people stuck with the default SteamOS install rather than installing Windows on it.

[@Mennenth]

@shinigamiauthor I'd want a steam controller 2 as well... but my opinions on it are very counter to the masses. I'd want it to keep the same layout as steam controller 1, just with updated internals (newer gyro, newer trackpads as sc 1 used gen 2 from cirque and now cirque is on to gen 6, force sensors for the trackpads instead of the physical button, and faster polling rate), 2 more back buttons, a slightly reduced circumference of the grips, and better build quality. I still think there is tons of merit in the "trackpads first" design of sc 1, it was just way ahead of its time and landed in an era where familiarity is preferred over progress/innovation (gyro is gaining popularity but is *still* looked down upon overall). ... But I know most people would want something more like a "Deck Controller" which follows the Deck layout just as an external controller. Making the pads smaller and shoving them out of the way to cater to the familiar... not very interesting or exciting to me, as imo thats just a "dualsense edge plus with valves logo on it" (the dualsense edge is basically "deck controller lite")... Best case; Valve makes both. Realistic case; Valve makes neither.

[@shinigamiauthor]

@@Mennenth i agree. if we could get one thats some kind of happy medium, but still closer to SC1 id like that.

[@damon3013]

Thank you for your video 📹

[@rurtykitson]

thank you

[@misterk7_-]

dude what microphone is that? It's giving me ASMR for real

[@Mennenth]

google pixel 6a

[@misterk7_-]

@ omg 😂

[@jkubuz]

Thanks, it worked!

[@dylanm5609]

Is this still valid? I ask because you deleted the Reddit post you linked.

[@Mennenth]

@@dylanm5609 should be I dont know why the reddit thread was deleted, it wasnt mine.

[@tokisakikurumi1623]

TIP: if the dongle mode doesn't work like on the video a restart helps (helped on me)

[@adventuretime2214]

Mine is failing during executing the bat file. Please help!

[@leelandy1990]

mine was the same yesterday had to try 4 different wires until it worked as 3 was lighting up the controller but was connecting to my pc which was the issue. make sure when the controller is plugged in your pc recognises it otherwise the bat file wont work

[@HanTyumi311]

Thank you!

[@mehmetdogru4255]

you king 💌

[@Ryochan7]

Imagine my shock. Valve disappoints yet again.

[@cristianrosaleslopez1182]

😅 hello here just picked this baddie up for 5$ uhm what type of wizardry did I just get ?!!?! 12.14.2024

[@itzdcx]

I have a Steam controller just collection dust 😭

[@Mennenth]

its a good controller if you spend the time to learn how to configure and use it. I've made a decent number of videos to help, but more generally I'll be making some gyro videos that can apply to any gyro controller. No time frame for when those videos will be out though.

[@itzdcx]

@@Mennenth I use gyro alot on my Steamdeck and Gulikit Pro 3 controller

[@Mennenth]

@@itzdcx awesome! idk about the gulikit controller, but the videos I'll be making about gyro will definitely be relevant to the Steam Deck. If the gulikit can be used through steam input then the upcoming videos will be relevant to it too. Though again, currently no time frame on when those videos will be out

[@itzdcx]

@@Mennenth yes it can used on Steam input just put the controller into Switch Mode instead of Xbox mode so that steam utilizes the built-in Gyro

[@baconberries8097]

Windows 10 works fine in case anyone is wondering. The fact that this doesn't work with linux devices, like the goddamn STEAM DECK for example, is wack though.