Instructions to all models of Steam Deck.

Thankfully there are other options.

To connect an Xbox controller to your Steam Deck, the controller needs to support Bluetooth.

The Steam button on a Steam Deck

If it does, try connecting it to your Xbox or PC to update the firmware.

Heres how to connect an Xbox controller to a Steam Deck:

Press theSteam Button.

If the Bluetooth toggle isn’t on already, tap it to turn Bluetooth on.

Settings highlighted in the Steam Deck main menu.

Press theXbox buttonon your controller.

Press and hold theconnect buttonuntil the Xbox button starts flashing.

Your controller will connect.

Bluetooth highlighted in the Steam Deck settings menu.

Check theBluetooth toggle, and tap it if it isn’t already on.

SelectWireless Controlleron your Steam Deck.

Unlike Xbox Controllers, your PlayStation controller will show up with the generic name Wireless Controller.

The Bluetooth toggle highlighted on a Steam Deck.

This wont affect the functionality of the controller.

The only difference is the method used to place the controller into pairing mode.

For Switch controllers, press thesync buttonthats located next to the USB-C port.

The Xbox button highlighted on an Xbox Series X/S controller

For the Steam Controller, press and hold theguide buttonand theY button.

Can You Play Multiplayer on Steam Deck With Multiple Controllers?

Select thecontrolleryou want to use, and press theselection button (reorder).

The Connect button on an Xbox Series X/S controller

Use thed-padto move it to the top.

Press theselection button (stop reorder)again to finalize the order.

Which Controllers Are Compatible With Steam Deck?

Xbox Wireless Controller highlighted on a Steam Deck.

FAQ

The Steam Deck is available in three versions, each with a different price.

Which Steam Deck is right for you will depend largely on what you hope to get out of it.

Currently, the only place to officially buy a Steam Deck isfrom Valve itself.

An Xbox controller paired to a Steam Deck.

Settings highlighted in the Steam Deck main menu.

Bluetooth highlighted in Steam Deck settings.

The Bluetooth toggle highlighted on a Steam Deck.

The PS button and Create button highlighted on a PS5 controller.

Wireless Controller highlighted in Steam Deck Bluetooth settings.

A DualSense controller connected to a Steam Deck.

The quick access button (three dots) on a Steam Deck

Rearrange controller order highlighted in Steam Deck quick settings.

PlayStation 5 controller highlighted on Steam Deck

Controllers reordered on Steam Deck.