Does Steam still support Steam Controller?

Does Steam still support Steam Controller?

The Steam Controller, designed by Valve Corporation, was a unique game controller introduced in 2015 as a competitor to traditional PC gaming peripherals. Although the Steam Controller has been discontinued, Valve no longer sells the Steam Controller, many gamers still possess the controller, and you may wonder: does Steam still support the Steam Controller?

Design and Purpose

The Steam Controller was designed to allow gamers to play PC games on their TV or Steam Link with the Steam Remote Play feature. The controller featured haptic feedback, dual trackpads, and analog sticks, aimed to enhance the gaming experience for those playing on non-traditional gaming systems. With its innovative design, the Steam Controller focused on precision, comfort, and immersion, making it an excellent option for various types of games.

Current Status: Discontinued but Supported

Although Valve has discontinued production and sales of the Steam Controller, it is important to note that Valve still supports the controller and Steam does not exclude support for it. Many games designed for traditional gaming peripherals may not support the Steam Controller, but the majority of Steam’s library is accessible with this controller.

Games That Support the Steam Controller

• Natively: Games specifically optimized for the Steam Controller have built-in support. For example, Half-Life, Portal, and Counter-Strike have dedicated controller options.
• Controller Supported: A growing number of games allow players to map controller settings through the in-game menu. Examples include popular titles like Minecraft and Rocket League.

Setting Up and Using the Steam Controller

• Controller Setup: Head to Steam > Settings > Controller > Configure Controller.
• Device Selection: Ensure the controller is detected as the Steam Controller under Devices.
• Button Mapping: Use the on-screen controller configurator or use Steam’s Controller Support feature to customize your controller layout.
• Controller Support: Enable the Steam Controller’s controller settings for your games to experience native controller support.

Best Practices and Troubleshooting

• Controller Update: Ensure the Steam Controller is running the latest software version by going to the Steam Community Settings > Other > Steam Controller Update.
• Controller Settings: Adjust your controller settings by going to the Steam Menu > Settings > Controller to optimize your experience.
• Common Issues: Known issues like button delay or tracking issues may be resolved by restarting your Steam Link or PC, checking controller connections, or reinstalling the controller software.

Conclusion: Steam Controller Still Supported, but Limitations Exist

Although Valve no longer manufactures or sells the Steam Controller, the device remains a viable option for many games. By following the correct setup procedures, gamers can enjoy an excellent gaming experience with their Steam Controller. Remember to check your game’s compatibility and configuration settings for the best performance.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Is the Steam Controller supported by all Steam games?: No, not all Steam games are optimized for the Steam Controller. You may encounter limitations or unsupported games.

• Will I receive any updates or support for the Steam Controller?: Yes, as long as Steam continues to support the Steam Controller, you can expect updates to maintain compatibility and fix bugs.

• Can I use my Steam Controller on multiple devices?: Yes, your Steam Controller should work with any device you connect to your Steam account, such as a gaming PC or a Steam Link.

In summary, despite the discontinuation of the Steam Controller, Valve continues to support and maintain the controller’s compatibility, allowing you to enjoy gaming with this unique device.