Does this controller support Bluetooth? I’ve had more luck pairing Xbox controllers in desktop mode, it wouldn’t work in the Steam interface for me.
this post was submitted on 10 Jan 2025
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Steam Deck
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Which controller model is it exactly? You don't require any additional software on the deck to connect peripherals via Bluetooth. I've connected even two different generations of Xbox wireless controllers at the same time with my deck without problems.
Are you properly putting the controller into pairing mode when trying to connect?
Are you using the wireless dongle? Deck doesn't seem to support it by default; when I looked into it, people had to do stuff through the console in order to make the dongle be picked up through the Deck.
I don't have an xbox controller, so I can't endorse what I found as being correct or safe... you have to give whatever it is system access, so be careful and look into it further so that you can make sure that you trust it.
But basically I just searched xbox 360 controller steam deck and reached reddit posts and YT videos covering it. If you decide to proceed, make sure you're using current info, because apparently older methods expired when Steam OS went to 3.5... and maybe they did again going to 3.6, though I didn't see that mentioned. Good luck!
I tried connecting my old Xbone controller and had the same issue. I think they use some old, unsupported version of Bluetooth (or maybe their own proprietary signal). You're outta luck, I'm afraid.
Did you get another controller?
Yeah, I ended up just using my spare PS5 controller instead, and that's worked perfectly. Some games even support its adaptive triggers, which was a nice surprise.
I've even run into games that use the rgb light for stuff. The Silent Hill 2 remake uses it to indicate health.
You can even use the TouchPad similar to the track pads on the deck! It does have dual sides to it which sometimes work, sometimes don't (if you use a finger on both it can get confused, though it does work in desktop mode for pulling up the keyboard)
Honestly, the PS5 controller is perfect for the deck imo. You get track pad, and all the features work. You can even change the LED color without even needing a PS5.
Theyre expensive af though.
Don't have SD but I use xpad neo on popos on laptop, solved the problem for me. Might be worth checking out.
Theres the xbone package you need for that and last time I checked each update wipes it from your system. So good luck, it'll be a constant battle. I just bought wired off brand ones.