The Steam Deck is easily one of the best handheld gaming consoles out there. And while it does have good controls of its own, you can always elevate your gaming experience with a dedicated controller. An external controller allows you to easily plug the Steam Deck into a bigger screen and play from a distance. Add to that, a full-sized controller is arguably going to be a better fit in hand. But with so many options to choose from, what are the best controllers for the Steam Deck?
That’s what this article is all about. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best controllers for the Steam Deck, both wired and wireless. Whether you’re a casual gamer, a competitive player, or an enthusiast seeking innovative features, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a high-end controller with all the bells and whistles, there’s sure to be a controller on this list that’s perfect for you.
But before we get into that, you may want to check out the following:
- Don’t let the battery die with these power banks for your Steam Deck.
- Enhance the functionality with these Steam Deck docks that you can buy.
- Add more storage to your console with these microSD cards for Steam Deck.
1. 8Bitdo Ultimate C
- Connectivity: Wired
- Weight: 0.53lbs
If you’re looking for an affordable yet comfortable controller for the Steam Deck, then this is it. The 8Bitdo Ultimate C is a wired controller that is fully compatible with SteamOS and has a unique look to it.
Available in two colors, Lilac Purple or Field Green, the 8Bitdo Ultimate C controller has a simple and elegant design. It’s modern, in the sense that it has the same controller layout as the Xbox controller. However, there are slight elements to it that make the controller feel classic too.
The Ultimate C makes use of a USB Type-A wired cable. So in order to plug it into your Steam Deck, you’ll need either a USB-C to USB-A adapter or a full-fletched dock. Once done, make sure to set the controller in the Xinput mode to play. If you don’t want the wires, there’s a wireless version as well. However, there’s no Bluetooth support on it, so it makes sense to go for the wired variant only and save some money.
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2. PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller
- Connectivity: Wired
- Weight: 0.45lbs
Similar to the 8Bitdo Ultimate C, the PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller also makes use of wired connectivity. However, it offers a ton of features over it and is available in a plethora of design options to choose from.
Originally designed for the Xbox Series X/S, the PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller is fully compatible with the Steam Deck as well. The controller makes use of the Xbox One controller layout but adds a lot more functionality. It offers a 3.5mm headphone jack, along with a volume control.
The wired cable on this controller is detachable. So if you’re constantly traveling, you can still store the PowerA Enhanced controller easily. Speaking of enhanced, the controller features two extra gaming buttons on the rear side. These buttons can be manually programmed as per the user’s choice for in-game functions. All in all, the PowerA Enhanced is easily one of the best-wired controllers for the Steam Deck.
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3. Xbox Core Wireless Controller
- Connectivity: Wireless
- Weight: 0.61lbs
The Xbox Core Wireless Controller is all about exceptional build quality and seamless integration. It’s designed to work flawlessly with any computer, including the Steam Deck, offering a hassle-free gaming experience.
The Xbox Core Wireless Controller is a popular choice for gamers of all platforms. It has a comfortable design with responsive buttons. It’s powered off by dual AA batteries, though you can choose to get a rechargeable battery kit for it. It also works wirelessly with the Steam Deck, so you don’t have to worry about any cables getting in the way.
The textured grips on the Xbox Core Wireless controller provide superior control, even during high-stakes gaming moments. Moreover, it features a responsive D-pad and a share button, making it easy to capture and share your gaming highlights with friends. It’s also available in a wide variety of attractive colors and designs to choose from.
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4. Amazon Luna Wireless Controller
- Connectivity: Wireless
- Weight: 0.52lbs
The Amazon Luna Wireless Controller is a good choice for those who want a controller that’s specifically designed for cloud gaming. Thanks to its Bluetooth connectivity, you can use it seamlessly with the Steam Deck.
Ideally, the Amazon Luna Wireless Controller is designed for, as the name suggests, Amazon’s Luna cloud gaming service. But the good part is that you can actually use Luna on your Steam Deck. So in that case, the Luna wireless controller works great. There are dedicated media buttons that allow you to control playback and navigation in supported cloud gaming services, enhancing your overall gaming experience.
Apart from this, the Luna controller offers an ergonomic design that ensures comfortable handling. Similar to the Xbox Controller, it is powered by dual AA batteries, both of which are provided in the box. There’s also a neat LED indicator on the controller to show connectivity status, highlight low battery, and more.
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5. PlayStation DualSense Controller
- Connectivity: Wireless
- Weight: 0.61lbs
If you’re a fan of Sony’s PlayStation controller layout, then the PlayStation DualSense Controller is just what you want. While it is designed for the PS5, it does work fairly well as a Bluetooth controller for the Steam Deck.
The different layout of the PlayStation controller is something that a lot of folks are a fan of. You can directly pair the PlayStation DualSense Controller with the Steam Deck to enjoy the same layout on your handheld console. However, do keep in mind that the games will continue to show the Xbox-style layout only. So for instance, if a game says ‘Press X’, you’ll have to press the Square button on your DualSense controller.
On the flip side, the Steam Deck can actually be used for Remote Play with the PS5 as well. In that context, using the DualSense controller makes a lot more sense. And apart from that as well, the DualSense controller is a high-end controller that offers a variety of features, including haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
Also, it comes with a rechargeable battery inside. Add to that, you can use it in a wired mode to charge it while playing games on your Steam Deck as well.
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6. Xbox Elite Series 2
- Connectivity: Wireless
- Weight: 0.76lbs
The Xbox Elite Series 2 is the most premium controller on this list. It’s also arguably the best wireless controller for the Steam Deck. The controller offers a variety of features, including swappable thumbsticks and paddles, as well as a rechargeable battery.
When it comes to gaming controllers, the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller is one of the most premium and highly recommended options. It’s a great choice for gamers who want a controller that’s fully customizable and offers a high level of performance.
Its standout feature is the extensive customization options it offers. You can swap out the thumbsticks and paddles to suit your playstyle, adjust trigger sensitivity, and fine-tune button mapping.
Speaking of which, you can save up to three custom profiles on the controller, and switch between them on the fly. The controller also has an excellent premium build quality with a wrap-around rubberized texture which ensures durability and comfort. Add to that, its wireless connectivity combined with long battery life ensures uninterrupted gaming sessions.
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FAQs on Best Controllers for Steam Deck
The Steam Deck comes with built-in controls like thumbsticks, buttons, and touchpads, so you can play games without an additional controller. However, some games may offer a better experience with a dedicated controller, especially if you are playing with the Steam Deck connected to a dock.
Generally, Steam has excellent built-in controller support, so you won’t need special drivers for most controllers. Simply connect the controller to your Steam Deck, and it should work seamlessly. However, some controllers may require firmware updates or additional software for full functionality.
To connect a controller to Steam Deck, you can use either a wired or wireless connection. For wired controllers, simply connect the controller to the Steam Deck using a USB cable. For wireless controllers, you will need to pair the controller with the Steam Deck from the Bluetooth settings.
Elevate your Gaming Experience with these Steam Deck Controllers
Well, that was our list of the best controllers for the Steam Deck. Choosing the perfect controller for your Steam Deck is a significant step towards a more immersive and enjoyable gaming adventure. Each of the controllers we’ve discussed has its own unique set of features and advantages. Remember, deciding on the best controller ultimately depends on your gaming preferences and budget. So, consider your gaming needs, weigh the pros and cons, and choose the one that suits you best.
Last updated on 06 September, 2023
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
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