The introduction of Valve’s Steam Deck has brought forth a significant impact on the PC gaming space. After all, this device allows players to play their favorite PC games all in a tiny yet powerful handheld gaming console.
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Though it’s not the first handheld console in the market, it sure does make for solid competition for handheld consoles like the Nintendo Switch.
What makes it even better, however, is how versatile it is. In fact, you can attach various accessories and hardware to it. More importantly, you can hook up a controller so you play your favorite games as you lie on the couch.
That said, there are several controllers that are officially licensed to be compatible with the Steam Deck. And in this guide, we’ll have a look at five of the best controllers you can use for your device.
5 Best Controllers for Steam Deck
| Best Controller for Steam Deck | Connectivity | Special Features | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Core Wireless Controller | Wireless | Hybrid D-pad | |
| PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller | Wireless | Haptic feedback, adaptive triggers | |
| Steam Controller | Wireless | Dual trackpads, dual-stage triggers | |
| Nintendo Switch Pro Controller | Wireless | Motion controls, amiibo functionality | |
| PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller | Wired | Dual rumble motors |
| Best Controller for Steam Deck | Connectivity | Special Features | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Core Wireless Controller | Wireless | Hybrid D-pad | |
| PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller | Wireless | Haptic feedback, adaptive triggers | |
| Steam Controller | Wireless | Dual trackpads, dual-stage triggers | |
| Nintendo Switch Pro Controller | Wireless | Motion controls, amiibo functionality | |
| PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller | Wired | Dual rumble motors |
Steam Deck actually accepts any controller as long as it can be connected via USB or Bluetooth. That said, there are a few that stood out from the rest, and that’s what we’re going to cover here. Let’s get started.
Top Pick: Xbox Core Wireless Controller
Microsoft has been putting its best foot forward when it comes to making the best video game controllers on the market right now. This wireless Xbox Core controller happens to be their latest yet, and it doesn’t deviate much from the previous console generation as far as design goes.
What makes it the best choice for your Steam Deck is that it’s a tried and tested design that’s been embraced by lots of players over the years. It comes with solid grips, a well-placed button layout, and a durable and sturdy feel.
It can last for up to 40 hours on a single charge which is long enough to let you play your favorite games on your Steam Deck for hours on end. It also has comfortable ergonomics which prevent fatigue on your wrist and thumbs when playing long gaming sessions.
Pros
- Premium feel at an affordable price
- Amazing textures and ergonomics
- Can run for up to 40 hours on a single charge
Cons
- You’ll have to buy a rechargeable battery separately
- The Share button is in a bit awkward spot
Runner-Up: PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller
Coming in at a close second is PlayStation 5’s very own DualSense controller. It deviates massively from the previous generation’s controller design, but it does come with a handful of amazing features with it.
For starters, there’s the haptic feedback feature which lets you receive physical feedback on your controller depending on the actions you perform in your game.
This produces dynamic vibrations that make you feel as if you’re within a game’s environment. Second is the adaptive triggers which work similarly to haptic feedback but focus more on in-game actions that involve force and tension.
The good news is, Steam actually has support for the touchpad, though you’ll have to do a bit of manual configuration. If you’re a fan of the PlayStation, then you’d want to consider using this controller for your Steam Deck as well.
Pros
- Amazing features in the form of haptic feedback and adaptive triggers
- Premium look and eye-catching design
- Comes with a built-in mic
- Sturdy and ergonomic
Cons
- Battery life only lasts up to 12 hours
- A bit heavy compared to other controllers
Premium Option: Steam Controller
Unsurprisingly, Valve also created its own version of a controller to pair with the Steam Deck. Introducing the Steam Controller, a hardware that was originally intended to pair with Steam Link.
The design on this one is a bit odd-looking compared to the more known controllers on the market. There are huge touchpads that work as trackpads, basically allowing you to use them in place of mouse and keyboard controls.
Due to its unfamiliar layout, it can take a little while to get used to when using it on your Steam Deck. Despite that, it’s actually quite comfortable to use and the overall design is ergonomic as well.
The problem with this one is that Valve discontinued its production, so you can only find a limited number of these controllers on the market.
Nonetheless, if you’re into official merchandise, then this is no doubt your best option.
Pros
- Surprisingly ergonomic despite its layout
- Works perfectly with the Steam Deck
- Huge remappable touchpads which function as mouse and keyboard
Cons
- Limited availability
- Overall layout looks a bit odd and will take time to get used to
Most Ergonomic Option: Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Ever since its debut, the Nintendo Switch Pro controller has become a favorite among many gamers. This is mainly due to its ergonomic design and layout. There are large face buttons, ergonomic grips, gyro aiming, and symmetrical stick placement, to name a few.
Moreover, it’s also fully supported on Steam Deck, so it will go seamlessly with your gaming device without any need for extra setup or configuration.
It can actually go toe to toe against the controllers from PS5 and Xbox, and if you’re looking for a highly ergonomic controller, this should be on top of your list.
Pros
- Highly ergonomic design
- Comes with gyro aiming
- Can last up to 40 hours on a single charge
Cons
- A bit expensive
- Doesn’t come with a jack or port for headphones
Budget: PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller
Though not as prominent as the other controllers on this list, the PowerA wired controller is actually a pretty solid choice for those on a budget. In fact, it’s wildly popular among players of that demographic. What makes it different is that it’s the only wired option we have included, and for good reason.
Though not as big as the other brands, PowerA has made a name for itself as one of the best third-party controller manufacturers on the market. Their wired controller features the standard layout of the Xbox controller but with a few tweaks of their own.
For one, there’s a Share button as well as a dial that you can use to toggle audio for your headphone. It even comes with programmable buttons. Finally, you have a wide range of color options to choose from! All these and more from a solid yet really budget-friendly controller.
Pros
- Lightweight yet sturdy
- Pretty cheap price but really solid overall
- Comes with programmable buttons
Cons
- Wired connectivity can be a hassle at times
- Uses micro-USB ports
To Sum Up
To be fair, you can just connect any controller that you have and it will work fine with the Steam Deck.
However, if you’re after extra functionality and overall ergonomics, then you’d do well to choose from one of the five products we’ve included.
Overall, the Xbox Core Wireless Controller would be the ultimate option, but the rest are pretty solid as well.
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