Switch Pro controller: Hold the pairing button on the top of the controller for a few seconds. How to use a Switch Pro controller or joycons on the Steam Deck It can't pair with SteamOS out of the box, but there are some specialized utilities for Arch Linux that can make it happen. This is common: many PC games only have UI elements that match the Xbox controller layout, but some will have an option in the settings menu to display PlayStation icons instead, and a rare few will actually detect PlayStation controllers natively.Ĭompatibility note: The DualShock 3 also works with the Steam Deck via USB using a USB-A to USB-C cable. When you get in-game, the Steam Deck will by default remap the controls to your PlayStation controller and pop up a warning that the button icons in-game may not match. It's even smart enough to change the UI to match the PlayStation buttons! Very cool. Using a PlayStation controller on the Steam Deck: Steam recognizes PlayStation controllers, so in the UI they work just as seamlessly as Xbox pads. Pairing DualShock 4 or PS5 DualSense: Press and hold the PlayStation logo button and the Share button (next to the D-pad) until the LED begins rapidly flashing.Īfter a few seconds, "Wireless Controller" should show up under "Available to pair" on the Steam Deck's Bluetooth screen. On the Steam Deck, go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn it on.
How to use a PlayStation controller on the Steam Deck