How to Enable Controller Support in Games on your Steam Deck (Easy Method)
4Enabling controller support on your Steam Deck for games can be straightforward, especially since the Steam Deck comes with built-in controller functionality. However, some games may require specific settings to be adjusted for full controller support. Here's how to enable controller support in games on your Steam Deck:
1. Ensure the Game Supports Controllers
First, check whether the game supports controller input. Most Steam games indicate if they support full or partial controller use. You can find this information in the game’s description on the Steam Store or in your library.
Full Controller Support: The game can be entirely played with a controller.
Partial Controller Support: Some functions may still require a mouse or keyboard.
2. Set the Controller Layout in Steam
If your game doesn’t automatically detect the Steam Deck’s built-in controls, you can manually set or change the controller layout:
Press the Steam button to open the Steam menu.
Navigate to Settings - Controller Settings.
Select Desktop Configuration to change the global layout or go to Library - Manage Game - Controller Configuration to adjust the layout for a specific game.
Choose a pre-configured layout or customize it according to your preferences.
3. Enable Steam Input for All Games
Steam Input allows you to configure your controller for games that might not natively support controllers:
Press the Steam button.
Go to Settings - Controller Settings.
Enable Steam Input Per-Game Settings. This option forces Steam Input to be active, making sure the Steam Deck's controls will work with any game that might otherwise ignore them.
4. Check Game-Specific Controller Settings
Some games have their own in-game controller settings that need to be enabled:
Open the game and go to the Options or Settings menu.
Look for a Controller or Input section and ensure that controller support is enabled.
In some cases, you may need to manually switch the control scheme from keyboard/mouse to controller.
5. Use Third-Party Solutions (If Necessary)
For non-Steam games or games without native controller support, you can use third-party software like JoyToKey or AntiMicroX to map controller inputs to keyboard and mouse functions.
These programs allow you to create custom profiles that can be used to control games that don’t natively support controllers.
6. Play Non-Steam Games with Controller
If you’re running non-Steam games or emulators on your Steam Deck:
Add the game to Steam by selecting Add a Non-Steam Game from the Steam Library.
This will allow you to use the Steam Input configuration options to map the controller.
7. Use a Different Controller (Optional)
You can connect external controllers (e.g., Xbox, PlayStation, or third-party controllers) to your Steam Deck via Bluetooth or through a wired connection if the built-in controller doesn’t suit your needs.
To pair a Bluetooth controller:
Press the Steam button - Settings - Bluetooth.
Turn on your controller and enter pairing mode, then select the controller from the list of available devices.
8. Test Your Controller Settings
After configuring your controller layout, test it to ensure everything works correctly:
Open the Controller Configuration menu (via the Steam menu).
Use the Test Input option to verify that all buttons and joysticks are working as expected.
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