Don't sleep on these controllers for the Steam Deck

The Steam Deck has a built in controller. In fact, it's the best controller I've ever used. However, sometimes I play the Deck while it's docked... and what then? What controller should you use to played in docked mode? That's exactly what this video is meant to be.
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About Gardiner Bryant: A native Maine resident, Gardiner (yes, that's his first name) is an enthusiastic Linux evangelist, a believer in the efficacy and superiority of the Free and Open Source way, and President of Heavy Element. Heavy Element offers web design, media production, and KZbin consulting services to individuals and companies in Maine and beyond.
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-- Chapters --
00:00 Intro
00:43 Steam Deck's Controller
03:08 Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
05:37 8bitDo Pro 2
07:52 GameCube Controller
09:42 DualShock 4
10:51 8bitDo Ultimate Controller
13:02 Gulikit KK3 Max
15:27 Microsoft Sidewinder Gamepad
15:47 DualSense
17:19 Steam Controller
20:38 Xbox 360 controller
23:51 Conclusion

[@gardiner_bryant]

Affiliate links: ❯ Dudelings: Arcade Sportsball: store.steampowered.com/bundle/41202/Dudelings_Arcade_Sportsball_Deluxe_Edition/? ❯ Dudelings on Itch.io: heavy-element.itch.io/dudelings ❯ PlayStation 5 DualSense Controller: amzn.to/3WNE67b ❯ Gulikit KK3 Max controller amzn.to/493jB9g ❯ 8bitdo Ultimate 2.4Ghz Controller: amzn.to/3V5Ku8z ❯ 8bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller: amzn.to/3yoLnQK ❯ PlayStation DualShock 4: amzn.to/3WOR9VY ❯ 8bitdo Pro 2: amzn.to/3V635RN ❯ GameCube Controller: amzn.to/3wJr2VW ❯ GameCube Controller USB Adapter: amzn.to/3QSUE9Z ❯ Switch Pro Controller: amzn.to/3yB7Slp ❯ Steam Deck accessories: amzn.to/4c2XKkM ❯ SanDisk 1 TB card: amzn.to/3z8mMfH ❯ Steam Deck Dock: amzn.to/3PDjgkt ❯ Our Production Equipment: amzn.to/3RdeHOL ❯ Merchandise: shop.heavyelement.io ❯ 🐘 Mastodon: mastodon.online/@gardiner_bryant

[@carrtoonist]

I love the steam controller and desperately want a successor. I mostly play top down city builders and strategy games and a controller that allows me to play those on the couch is amazing. SC's configuration options are crucial to this, even if it requires some muscle memory to get going because. The steam deck is the best thing we have going right now in this regard and I love mine but a steam controller 2 would be a great addition.

[@EhurtAfy]

Steam controller needs a second analog joystick and better d-pad, it's just unsuitable for certain games without that. I like big controllers, but the Steam controller prevents me from wrapping my fingers around the controller, so I never feel like I have a good grip. The Steam controller fits in my palm nicely, but I can't grip it tightly so the controller feels loose in my hands. If I grip hard my fingers just slide or I press the back paddle. Other than that it's a pretty solid controller. Touchpads and gyro are excellent, back paddles are good, start/select/home feel great. Every year or so, I get my Steam controller out of storage and I can't get over these issues. Overall, I like Dualsense or Wii Pro Controller over Steam Controller, Dualsense lets me use mouse via touchpad so it's my default, pretty good for sniping in fps games along with gyro

[@cpcolella]

I would buy a steam controller 2 that’s just a controller version of the steam deck’s controls so fast

[@KyleDavis328]

@@cpcolella If they made that I'd probably buy 4

[@BoricuaDBO]

24:43 yes I will definitely "like the smash button"

[@KingKraft0867]

He always says that lol

[@Schlumpsha]

I'd love to use the Steam Deck as a native controller for my desktop linux PC. Granted, there are ways to do this already, such as VirtualHere or via Steam Remote Play. But a more seamless Plug&Play way that don't require dozen configurations would be awesome. Alternatively, Valve should really do a Steam Controller 2 already. Then I could finally ditch my ol' GuliKit ver.1 controller.

[@pxkqd]

Yeah, current options aren't great to actually play a demanding game on the PC and just using the deck as a controller. Valve should just add that option to as a Steam Remote Controller or something.

[@RafaelWingnux]

I've been a Deck owner for almost a year and ONLY NOW have I learned about the touch-sensitive thumbsticks! 🤣

[@lpcamargo]

The Switch Pro Controller has been a warrior for me since 2017. Excellent support on Steam. Until it started drifting last year, when I had to swap the thumbsticks, so I did. But after that, it is still my best controller. I have a feeling this thing might last me another 5 years. So worth it.

[@Jokerwolf666]

You should consider the 8bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth. I've used the official pro controller and it has nothing on the ultimate. It also wakes up the switch which most third party controllers cannot do. It is also recognized as a Pro Controller in Steam.

[@neil_9000]

Your criticisms of the 8bitdo Ultimate controllers is a little weird, it supports xinput or switch modes, the switch does not support analog triggers, so this is a limitation of the switch protocol not the Ultimate controllers. xinput on the other hand does not support gyro, so that's why no gyro in that mode, again not the Ultimate controllers fault, but that of the xinput protocol. As for the paddles not showing up, again this is a protocol issue, xinput only supports a set number of buttons, and these paddles are simply mapped to existing xinput buttons ( i personally set them to L1 and R1 so i don't have to take my fingers off the triggers) so they are not actual additional buttons, but merely programmable copy's of existing ones, hence them not showing as additional buttons in steam.

[@elphive42]

The problem there is that, when using it on PC or Steam Deck, there is simply no single mode that allows full use of the controller’s feature set. Every mode has a tradeoff, there, and it shouldn’t have to on PC. I love my Pro 2 controllers, but I’ll be the first to admit their gyro and rear paddle implementations are practically useless because of this. I’ve just never used those features, so I consistently leave it on XInput mode.

[@taylor85345]

​​​​​@@elphive42The ideal would really be to have a Steam Input Driver/API that third-party controllers can connect to and directly interface with Steam Input, rather than emulating a first party controller with all of its limitations.

[@Grandwigg]

​​@@taylor85345indeed. i have the previous model of sn30 without the back paddles and mode buttons. Bit it's the one i use muse when docked or on kickstand. X input for that. (And sometimes on switch mode for the actual switch. A stream input API works be a Godsend. Esp with controllers like the 8-bitdo - esp if a firmware update could make it compatible with said theoretical API.

[@alecpanic]

Yeah i was concerned when he was like "why isn't the back buttons showing up in steam input???" He'd need to set those up on the 8bitdo's software. Ain't it pretty much the same thing with any third party controller that has extra mappable buttons? Some have buttons that can assign on the fly through software built into the controller itself, but all steam input is doing is taking whatever established controller protocal the controller says it is. Its not finding out its an 8bitdo ultimate controller with assignable back buttons also, i set my back buttons to stick clicks

[@KyleDavis328]

XInput does support the paddles separately, as the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 (I hate Microsoft's naming schemes...) can have their paddles assigned independently in Steam Input. But as for the fact that no input mode has every option, that's still something that 8Bitdo _could_ do something about, but for ease of use they haven't. Using an input API similar to the original Steam Controller would be ideal, as Steam Input has support for basically any and all input.

[@seanpyke]

Press the sync button on the Nintendo pro controller. That turns off the notification light.

[@ErichToven]

How can any controller call itself pro without left or right triggers? $15 knockoffs have triggers.. 🙄

[@Ferkiwi]

It has triggers, it's just that they re not analog when set in Switch mode, cos the Switch does not support analog triggers.

[@Sharp931]

​@@Ferkiwilmao

[@rhysjones8506]

Yea like someone else said. Most 8bitdo controllers have analogue triggers that become normal buttons in switch mode but then become analogue in xinput

[@AltCutTV]

It would be interesting if those controllers had a mode to simulate analogue input though. Like if the various levels of the trigger is translated as a series of clicks in an autofire similar sense. Maybe some do already. Not sure how useful it would actually be for anything, even including Mario Kart. ;)

[@Narding5566]

@@AltCutTV Thats the thing. It wont be useful to any Switch games cause no Switch game supports or uses a feature for analog triggers. So it doesnt make sense to have it on switch mode. I have 3 of them and use Xinput most of the time for shooters in PC cause analog triggers makes sense on those games

[@taylor85345]

A few thoughts: 1: It's worth mentioning that the KK3 supports internal gyro-to-joystick mapping that makes gyro controls "function" in any mode while holding down L1 or L2. 2: If they haven't already, valve should really publish the Steam Deck controller API for third-party controllers to communicate natively with Steam Input and take full advantage of all of its features. 3: In the absence of #2, third-party controllers should ship with a DS4/DualSense mode, since that is the only first-party controller to support both Analog Triggers and Gyro controls. (I understand that the lack of a trackpad on other controllers is probably why this isn't a thing)

[@JokerInk-CustomBuilds]

Bought a used steamdeck oled 2 weeks ago... just found a steam controller in my block electronic dumpster... Never seen one before... seems so strange, yomorrow I will test if it works...

[@HoleLeashIt]

I’m pretty pleased with how the dual sense works well with steamos or just steam in general. It feels like it was made for it natively. It’s not the best battery life, but on PC I use it wired anyway

[@saltydad2987]

Great video and I love the dual sense controller for my docked Steamdeck once I figured out the center button mapping. Too bad Steam hasn’t release an automatic mapping for it specifically. Keep up the interesting videos

[@grandmoffporkins]

Love my 8bitdo controllers. All 4 of em

[@Ravenlock]

Good video! As a fellow fan of both the Dualsense and the 8bitdo Ultimate, let me recommend a maybe unlikely contender - the Flydigi Vader 3 Pro. Great feel, good software, analog-to-digital shoulder button toggle, works via dongle or bluetooth or a dedicated Switch mode, really interesting d-pad unlike any other I've used.

[@mikearisbrocken8507]

I have a steam deck and my dream is that Valve releases a controller that has all the features of the Steam Deck for the PC. I thought I would never be able to replace mouse and keyboard for shooters, but the combination touchpad and gyro have made me way more precise to aim than with a regular controller, almost mouse-levels precise and WAY more fun. Also the back buttons and levels of customisation is unparalleled. This is my dream I hope one day gets realized.

[@TheFrantic5]

The KK3's "turn the triggers digital with button-like resistance" feature seems like they would be perfect for FFXIV's chorded xhotbars, especially for the double-taps. Not even the Elite series 2 does that feature correctly.

[@katanamaru1]

Sidewinder gamepad was awesome back in the day! I loved mine. Especially good for emulating Genesis games.

[@Emulation_Inflation]

Have you downloaded the software for the 8bitdo controlers? That's how you program the paddles buttons.

[@Herrikias]

I am so glad Microsoft controllers moved away from the slippery disk directional buttons. The series controller's implementation has surprisingly been my favorite design, despite initial visual impressions making me think it'd be even more impractical than the 360's.

[@Dagrik.3851]

Not sure if anyone has mentioned this but you look like someone that can convince others that Colonel Sanders is your grandpa & no one would question it. It's a compliment, cheers.

[@EisOfSpades7]

I personally use a Xbox series controller for PC. My deck is never docked, so no need for a controller on that. I picked up the windows Wi-Fi adapter for the controllers and man was it a life changer. It seems that a lot of people have great success with Bluetooth, but I have never had any luck with them. It used to take me so long to connect a gamepad to my old pc I would spend half the time I had to play trying to get it to connect. that adapter saved PC gaming for me. It's seamless now. I was also given a elite controller one year for Christmas and the customization that Microsoft has built in to it on pc is quite nice.

[@rendonwade1130]

"all four of them" -lol, that was great and correct.

[@retrobear9367]

Id just like to see someone make illuminated thumb sticks for the deck and omg...the side winder. Memories!

[@buckysrevenge]

I lucked out and got one of the Google Stadia controllers during their fire sale back a few years ago. Now that they enabled Bluetooth for actual usage, it's one of my go-to gamepads when playing games on the couch. Nothing special with regards to features, but the buttons and sticks are responsive and it has a good weight to it

[@bland9876]

Personally I recommend the Saitek Rumble Force controller Because it's basically a PlayStation controller that's the size of an Xbox Duke controller with Genesis/Saturn face buttons layout and square analog sticks versus the standard circle or octagon sticks you usually see. I'm joking but It is interesting that controller actually works on the steam deck considering it's from the time before X input so it only uses D input and you can tell that because it has numbers instead of letters for all the buttons. For those that don't know you can't use a 360 controller on an Xbox One or a series system. PC 1 console 0

[@adfury]

Would like to see 8bit do make a steam controller with the 2 touchpads and 2 analog.

[@Subfightr]

Lmao! Ya got me homie! Hahaha, my jaw literally dropped (I don't wanna spoil it for others) good job.

[@heximilian8931]

I've been using an 8bitdo Ulitimate. Works great on linux and I love how it turns itself off when I put it on its dock then turns itself on when I pick it up. I never have to think about how much charge it has.

[@wilfridsephiroth9213]

Does it rumble? I just got one and it doesn't at all...

[@heximilian8931]

@@wilfridsephiroth9213 It varies from game to game. It works in EA WRC but not in elden ring. It always rubles when I turn it on. It does have ruble in steam input when tested.

[@heximilian8931]

Actually it does work in elden ring I just tested it. Are you connecting via BT or the Receiver?

[@wilfridsephiroth9213]

@@heximilian8931 receiver. I've got the 2.4 version only. It's a bit temperamental. Sometimes it doesn't, others it does. I've written to Steam support and all they could tell me is that there's chances that 3.6 will solve the issue

[@Stacio88]

I've been using elite series 2 controllers on my deck and they work really well. I don't really use the dpad much for games on the deck, I usually only use them for fighting games and those are played on my PS5.

[@Grimgrin666]

I've got the King Kong Pro 2 controller, any real reason to jump to the KK3 Max?

[@ZaberfangX]

I remember using sc-controller software for my steam controller when few games won't take steam input so I use the software seem to force it, but it's been abit. Still have 2 steam controller, one of them with tape as I used it to much.

[@TheAtariSan]

Did you buy that controller with mouse switch button ?

[@NateNakao]

Oh wow, that Chatpad brings me back! I loved that thing! I'm mostly a M&K gamer (though I just got an Azeron Cyborg, and so far I'm absolutely loving that thing), but there are of course games that just work better with a controller. I've been using the 8Bitdo Ultimate, and I do really enjoy it, but there's something about it that doesn't quite wow me. I think I might give the DualSense a try though.

[@YustinJ420]

Wait, the switch pro controller works on steam deck now? No disconnect issues?

[@awakenedcrowl]

I'd buy a Steam Controller 2 modeled after the Steam Deck in a heartbeat. Like, seriously, I wouldn't even look at the price before committing to the purchase. The Steam Deck is my Nr. 1 favored controller. And if I didn't mind the latency or the fear of wearing it down if I did that - I would genuinely just remote my Steam Deck to my Desktop PC, just to control them with the Steam Deck.

[@praetorxyn]

You need to get your hands on a Flydigi Vader 3 Pro. I wish someone would make a Hall Effect controller with the PS layout, but until they do, that's the best I've found

[@XtianApi]

I can swap micro b for c. No problem I thought the 8-Bit Bluetooth controller also has 2.4 GHz in it and can work with a dongle?

[@frankhuurman3955]

Could you do some reviews on different Deck docks? I've got one of those JSAUX ones but the HDMI port is very loose and I'd still love some more USB A & USB C I/O on them. Also my wireless USB C mouse never gets picked up on through it even though it does on other Linux laptops.

[@rpelletier2771]

I have an Elite Series 2 for mine 👍

[@ReceiveMusic]

Do the back paddles work for Steam games?

[@blastu2fool]

@@ReceiveMusic Great question, I would like to know also.

[@decisionparalysis7856]

I play Rocket League almost entirely Kb/m but have ran into problems like a lack of pressure when hitting the ball, etc. It used to not be like that and it varies from game to game. I am switching back to controller or trying to and it is difficult, I feel like a complete beginner again. Luckily I have a Steam Controller and it is amazing, and I used to use it so much more.

[@ltyarv8071]

The vader 3 pro is also a good choice, on bluetooth mode with the 2nd mode it detects it as a xbox controller on steam, but the recentering springs for the joysticks are weak and probably last around 5 months to a year

[@kevinleovic1]

I really wish that the remote play feature of the steam deck has a controlled only mode. The steam link flatpak on the deck has that feature but not the native steam client. Weird.

[@mikearisbrocken8507]

This.

[@McVerdict]

How have you not tried the vader 3 pro????

[@ciaduck]

I've had the L/R buttons break on a couple of my steam controllers. They are plastic leaf springs, and surprisingly fragile to bumps or shocks. It's only a matter of time before they all break. Fortunately Valve has made complete 3D models available, including STL files of each part. Theoretically I can now 3D print replacements... I'll just keep using my dual shock 4 controllers.

[@HenriNero]

That's good to know that the 8bitdo/gulikit gyros only work in switch mode, 'cause I really like having analog triggers for driving/piloting + gyro for aiming in NMS and Cyberpunk (and a few similar games). I'll probably end up just modding my DS4 for slightly better ergonomics. The dualsense isn't really an option for me, it's probably better for the ergonomics, but too expensive 'cause of local taxes.

[@Malisteen]

oh, what I wouldn't give for a steam controller 2. Surprised you didn't mention the battery life issues of the dual sense, like the one frustrating drawback that has me still using the dual shock on pc/deck

[@TheLegendarySage]

The battery is very important to me as I have kids who forget to charge their controllers. With Xbox controllers, the AA batteries are awesome to change out in a pinch if you don't have a rechargeable battery pack that lasts quite a long time.

[@e.t1031]

Hey, how about the Vader 3 pro?

[@travishamiltontattoos4635]

If Steam came out with a new controller which would be basically the steam deck without the screen I would buy it in a heartbeat

[@russjr08]

Funnily enough, my favorite controller that I've used (I haven't been able to pickup any of the newer controllers from manufacturers like GuliKit/8BitDo) so far is the Google Stadia controller. It doesn't have any of the cooler features that tend to be more prevalent these days like gyroscope aiming or macros or touchpads - but its very ergonomic to me (at least for my hands) and I love the way the haptic feedback feels. The battery also lasts quite a while (though not swappable so this will degrade over time), and it supports being played wired over USB-C or via Bluetooth (this requires using Google's online tool to "unlock" the bluetooth mode on the controller since it was originally used for Stadia specific stuff). Back when Stadia was a thing, I found it insane just how little latency the controller had when it was connected to the game servers directly over WiFi (which I just find to be an insanely cool idea from a nerd perspective).

[@cunawarit]

I mostly game on an Xbox Series S controller with an Armor X Pro. The Armor X Pro gives the Xbox controller back buttons and gyro, it can operate as a Switch or PS controller so you can use bative gyro with Steam.

[@VollkinSea]

One thing steam needs to work on and push is a proper controller API that vendors can support full controller featuresets easily. Let the controller define what features it has!

[@eldaria]

My favourite controller is my Steam Controllers, I have two of them, however recently one of them died. I wish Valve would make a new Steam controller that is a Steam Deck controller without the screen. ;-) So I went out and ordered the Gulikit KK3 but had massive issues, the dongle had half a second input lag, and using it with a cable it had random Ghost inputs, like even keys not even on the controller. So then I ordered aTurtle Beach Stealth Ultra. But this did not work at all wireless it would turn off the controller after a few seconds. So I tried it cabled, but in Steam it was detected, and I could send a test Rumble, but it would not detect any input from the controller. So I finally got the 8bitDo Ultimate Bluetooth, and this one works great, But as you mentioned it is to bad that it is not possible to use the Gyro and back buttons.

[@denzbarzs7150]

My question is it possible to use wired headphone on these controllers i mean wich one?

[@NothingHereForYou]

the 8bit do ultimate controllers are all my favorite. I just wish it had a shield dpad and it would be perfect.

[@gunnaraas218]

I watched this hoping for a recommendation for a great, no compromises controller. Seems that doesn't really exist?

[@Jacob-dt1js]

they recently released an updated 8bitdo 2.4 with hall effect joysticks (and a new purple color)

[@rzrlkoqumq8vn2ktla7i7]

I got an 8bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth controller, it supports gyro controls. The 8bitdo Ultimate 2.4g controller doesn't seem to have these. I actually have bought the 2.4g ultimate first, months and a lot of troubleshooting later I found out that these are two different controllers, all through both support 2.4g and bluetooth. I also have an problem with the mine that the b and a buttons are mapped wrong by steam input sometimes.

[@wilfridsephiroth9213]

Does it rumble? I just got mine and I can't get it to do it...

[@mountaindewmofo]

8 bit do controllers are awesome I have the mini controller and the snes one

[@rossmclaughlin7158]

There is a switch controller 🎮 that has the GameCube layout was part of a bundle with smashbros wee have a couple work flawless with Dec but it's wired

[@peterjansen4826]

I discovered yesterday that my controller finally is supported on Linux. When I bought those it still was a problem, I didn't know about it because the BlueTooth (8bitdo pro 2) variant did work, so you wouldn't expect a problem with the wired variant. However, the wired variant did not work due to sdl2 doing something wrong, the kernel picked up the controller fine and mapped the buttons correctly but in sdl2 some of the 'analog' buttons in the 'shoulder' got switched with regular on/off buttons which made the controller unusable in any game. It seems that the SteamDeck helped to get it supported, the company has a separate SteamDeck section so clearly they hope to sell these controllers to the SteamDeck users. This is the first controller which I have had since the SNES-controller.

[@fieryfirevivin]

Does any work with ps4 ?

[@holopengin]

If you want to force your switch controller to turn off, just tap the pairing button on top. No idea why yours isn't shutting itself off automatically though, maybe something to do with wake on Bluetooth on the steam Deck OLED, or not having controller auto shutdown enabled in the steam deck controller settings?

[@BladeCuttervita]

I agree with all your takes except for I have a issue with the steam decks d-pad

[@SuperQuadocky]

The Wii U pro controller has been so good to me, its hard for me to switch to anything else.

[@leonoliveira8652]

Weird, I didn't have those issues with the 8bitdo pro+.

[@icdeadpipol]

I really love the Xbox360 controller more than the console itself and even got a 2nd controller but it really had a lot of quirks that made me go for an 8bitdo controller for PC. - battery tends to run out a week or two even on non-usage - controller sometimes shutsoff while in the middle of gameplay (possible loose contact) - battery compartment tends to lock and become unremovable. - proprietary RF wireless connection - lack of direct usb connection despite having 2 sets of ports to use. - directional pad

[@Omnifarious0]

I've never been able to get controllers (including the Steam controller) working on any PC I've ever owned. They kind of work, but seem to be missing significant functionality every time. I've tried several. 😕 I've only had the patience for a small amount of fiddling though. But, IMHO< I shouldn't have to fiddle at all. That's one of the big attractions of the Steam Deck for me.

[@rhysjones8506]

Running it through steam works amazing. I've got multiple 8bitdo controllers that default to basically an Xbox controller when connected via xinpunt. Then they work with steam

[@omarguerrero6417]

I been using a xbox series controller with chatpad and has been useful for games that need keyboard to type

[@sergeykish]

Wii Remote for Wii emulation: - Motion input feels great in Punch-Out! - Pointer is intuitive and accessible. - Gyro and controller blockiness allows interesting gameplay So many opportunities off the beaten path. Unfortunately, PC has not adopted it.

[@nyjay]

Would love to see a video dedicated to how to set up the Deck for Dragon Age Origins

[@achaes1371]

I just want a new steam controller with all the functionality of the steam decks controls. Maybe a few more buttons. That way if I set it up on my TV with a dock I still have every option the deck allows

[@mitcoes]

Would you buy and love a Steam Controller 2 with the Steam Deck layout (and Gyro)? I do not understand why it is not done yet, by Steam themselves or by any other brand with the Steam parts or improving them.

[@davinwilliams3130]

I would buy three: One for me One for me to mod And one for my uncle.

[@InspireCreativity2023]

After trying a ton of controllers myself, I've found the Steam Controller to be best.. closest resembles the steam decks controls, works exceptionally well with the deck, AND it's also a valve product!

[@watsyurdeal]

I will say, the Steam Controller is probably my favorite of the bunch There's only a few things I'd want to improve it. Like additional back buttons like there are on the Steam Deck, and maybe an additional thumbstick or dpad. The trackpads and gyro on it for me are great, I only wish they'd have a higher polling rate for better overall accuracy.

[@defenestratorr]

Is that a radiohead poster in the background? Based

[@logicalfundy]

I'd love a Steam Controller 2 with the same inputs as the Steam Deck.

[@SeriousTable]

Just wanted to shout out that the 8bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth has detectable gyro in Switch Mode if you connect it to your Deck SPECIFICALLY VIA BLUETOOTH. I've used it for a handful of things, but found the gyro somehow lacking compared to the Dualshock 4's, so I tend to stick with that.

[@liorean]

Sadly, my steam controller is recognised as present but no button input works, in any mode, when used wirelessly. And you can pair it with the steam deck only when wired. I have no idea why the functionality is so bad wirelessly.

[@SlickTater]

3:16 the Xbox wasn’t the first to have asymmetrical analog stick placement, the GameCube was by a month

[@slembcke]

As a fellow controller afficionado, mostly agree with this list. :) Though I will say that the killer feature the Xbox One/Series gamepads have is easily, cheaply replaceable batteries. My go-to gamepad for development is my PS5 controller, and I've had to replace the battery once already, and my previous favorite, the PS4 controller I've had to do it twice. It's not hard, but it's not trivial or cheap either. I suspect a lot of these ended up in a landfill because of it. :( I suspect there's a reason why 360 gamepads are still around, and that's because a lot of them still work when you can just replace the batteries.

[@TheZedrem]

I mainly use the Xbox One X and Steam Controller for gaming on my TV on a gaming PC. Sadly, It still runs Windows, but I'm planning to switch to Bazzite, just hadn't have the time yet.

[@SkylerLinux]

I love my Steam Controller, it's a Blessed Controller. To which ever Deity I would worship them if only I could get a Steam Controller 2 with the convex thumb-stick being touch sensitive, and the back paddles being splint to match the Deck.

[@ekowmaceyeson3725]

to programme the 'paddles' on the 8bit do. just programme the paddles using the 8bit software. I chose to make them do r3 and l3 push button in each stick. then you can detect them in the steam os operating system

[@trevorsmith5152]

Steam Controller would be the GOAT if the thumbstick was replaced with a D pad. Here's hoping for a Steam Controller 2.

[@captainfach]

There are gamecube style controllers with the extra buttons out there. Check em out, my dude. I wonder how good they are

[@taru3374]

with the Dualshock 4 you can actually mod it to remove the light bar and add usbc

[@shariarrahman7562]

I just want a new steam controller. i love the trackpads

[@ricky_pigeon]

Wheres the controller in the thumbnail?

[@TheAtariSan]

You also need 1 hand controller from Japan for visual novel

[@RogueRen]

The 8bitdo Pro 2 is my favorite controller ever. I HATE gyro personally, so mine just stays in xinput at all times and I use the android app to remap the buttons. I have one profile with Nintendo's BAYX layout, and one with Xbox ABXY, so not matter what my game will match the face buttons. Also the back paddle on the left is remapped to A so I can do minor stuff like walking and interacting with one hand.

[@gbblackknight]

One big thing I hate the Switch Pro Controllers is that pressing any button or trigger/bumper will make the controller attempt to connect to the Switch. Makes it annoying when traveling, since every bump makes it try to connect (even when secured in a case). Controllers are always dead by the time I arrive at my destination.

[@devarionarias]

Even the 8BitDo receiver which you can use with other brand controllers does the same thing where the vibration control seems absent for the xinput. What's even weirder is that the pairing process even utilizes the vibration motor on an xbox controller. So, you can use it in the pairing process, but not with your games? Strange. It does this same thing in Linux and in Windows - I've tried it with both, so I don't think it's a SteamOS issue. Minor complaint being this little dongle lets me use a variety of different wireless controllers with my media top PC and it has a really nice range, though!

[@VollkinSea]

Steam needs to make steam input an open spec that controllers can easily add support for. Currently, it only aupports specific controller types and then has generic support for xinput and directinput. Controllers should be allowed to either get quick and easy certification with valve to have official support, or even better, steam should allow the controller to define what it is and what functions it supports. Its up to steam to then expose all of those actions to a user. If steam supported many controllers natively with a genuine benefit to using steam input, more games would be inclined to add steam input support because of it.

[@robbates4704]

My 360 chat keyboard is sitting on the floor next to me. I was purging out old electronics over the weekend and was unable to let that go.

[@hmskrecik]

The main problem I had with Steam Controller was the right pad as a joystick for camera control. I tried all config options and it always sucked. I think the root cause is that there is no sensory feedback where your input is. With physical joystick you feel both the position and the feedback force, and touch pad gives none. I love the controller to this day and I too hope Valve makes version 2 one day (and hopefully it will be awesome because Valve never makes version 3) but I just had order of magnitude better experience when playing some games with Xbox pad.

[@crazychickengd]

With the 8Bitdo Pro 2 controller the paddles are for macros and have to be programmed from the 8bitdo software

[@antwanowens4013]

I just returned the 8bitdo blue tooth version because it uses the switch layout this company should design that version to the Xbox layout and it would be my favorite controller of all time hopefully u can reach out to that company and recommend doing so

[@spectr__]

Can you configure the 8BitDo controller in linux?

[@gardiner_bryant]

What do you mean by "configure?"

[@spectr__]

@@gardiner_bryant for example, mapping the back buttons or the star and # button. I could only do it on a windows machine and only with X-Input. Their provided software is pretty garbage, I could not find a way to configure it otherwise.

[@bland9876]

​@@spectr__1. You swap the switch to whatever input you want to configure and 2. You use your phone.

[@spectr__]

@@bland9876 that app sucks, it does nothing no matter what input type is selected. It does detect the Pro 2 at all.

[@relevsethekrvken]

Is it a hot take to say I hate the gyro? 😅