Ever found yourself cramping up during an intense gaming session on your Steam Deck? I’ve been there – those built-in controls are fantastic for quick gaming sessions, but when you’re settling in for a marathon playthrough of Elden Ring, your hands start to feel like they’re locked in a tiny prison. That’s exactly why many gamers turn to wireless controllers for Steam Deck – they offer comfort, flexibility, and a console-like experience for long gaming sessions.
As someone who’s spent countless hours testing various wireless controllers for Steam Deck, I can tell you that the right controller can completely transform your gaming experience. Whether you’re docking your Steam Deck to play on a monitor or just want a more comfortable grip while playing in handheld mode, a good wireless controller is an essential accessory.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about wireless controllers for your Steam Deck – from compatibility and setup to the best options on the market in 2025. I’ll even share some personal insights on which controllers excel for specific game genres and how to optimize your entire gaming setup, including monitor recommendations and ergonomic accessories.
Can I Use a Wireless Controller With the Steam Deck?
Absolutely yes! The Steam Deck fully supports wireless controllers for Steam Deck through Bluetooth connectivity. In fact, Valve designed the Steam Deck with flexibility in mind, making it compatible with most modern wireless controllers on the market.
The Steam Deck’s Bluetooth 5.0 capability means you can easily connect your favorite wireless controllers for Steam Deck without any additional adapters or dongles. This feature opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to use controllers you might already own or invest in new wireless controllers for Steam Deck specifically chosen for your gaming sessions.
Which Wireless Controllers Are Compatible With the Steam Deck?
The beauty of the Steam Deck lies in its extensive compatibility. Here’s a breakdown of the major controller types that work seamlessly with the Steam Deck:
- Xbox Wireless Controllers (Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One)
- PlayStation Controllers (DualSense PS5 and DualShock 4 PS4)
- Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
- Steam Controller (if you can find one)
- Third-party controllers from manufacturers like 8BitDo, GameSir, PowerA, and more
What makes this even better is that most wireless controllers for Steam Deck require minimal setup. The Steam Deck immediately recognizes popular controllers like the Xbox Wireless Controller and PlayStation DualSense, making them essentially plug-and-play (or rather, pair-and-play).
How to Pair a Wireless Controller to the Steam Deck
Connecting a wireless controller to your Steam Deck is surprisingly straightforward. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
- On your Steam Deck, press the Steam button
- Navigate to Settings (the gear icon)
- Select “Bluetooth” from the menu
- Put your controller in pairing mode (usually by pressing and holding a dedicated pair button)
- Select your controller when it appears in the available devices list
- Wait for confirmation that pairing is complete
And that’s it! Your wireless controller for steam deck should now be connected and ready to use. The whole process typically takes less than a minute.
If you’re planning to play on a larger screen, you might want to consider your monitor setup as well. A good gaming monitor with low latency can enhance your experience significantly – we’ll touch on optimal monitor choices later in this article. For the best experience, pairing your setup with one of the top wireless controllers for steam deck makes gaming even more enjoyable.
Is There Input Lag When Using Wireless Controllers on the Steam Deck?
A common concern with wireless controllers for steam deck is input lag – that dreaded delay between pressing a button and seeing the action on screen. The good news is that modern Bluetooth controllers have come a long way in minimizing this issue.
In my testing, most premium wireless controllers for steam deck show negligible input lag when used with the Steam Deck. Here’s what I’ve found:
- Xbox Series X/S controllers and PS5 DualSense controllers typically offer the lowest latency
- Third-party options like the 8BitDo Ultimate also perform admirably
- Older controllers (pre-2018) might exhibit more noticeable lag
For the absolute best experience with minimal input lag:
- Keep your controller firmware updated
- Minimize Bluetooth interference from other devices
- Maintain a reasonable distance between your controller and Steam Deck
- Consider 2.4GHz wireless options (like those that use USB dongles) for the absolute lowest latency
Of course, if you’re playing on a monitor, the display itself can introduce additional lag. That’s why pairing your Steam Deck with a monitor that has low input lag and a high refresh rate can make a noticeable difference in responsiveness.
Can I Use PlayStation or Xbox Controllers Wirelessly With the Steam Deck?
Yes, absolutely! This is one of the greatest strengths of the Steam Deck – its compatibility with controllers you probably already own.
PlayStation Controllers
Both the PS5 DualSense and PS4 DualShock 4 controllers work excellently with the Steam Deck. Here’s what you should know:
- Pairing process is identical to other Bluetooth devices
- Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers (DualSense) work in supported games
- Touchpad functionality is recognized
- Gyro controls work for games that support motion input
Xbox Controllers
The Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One wireless controllers are arguably the most seamless option for the Steam Deck:
- Button mapping is identical to the Steam interface by default
- Connectivity is extremely reliable
- Battery life is excellent (especially with the newer Series controllers)
- Driver support is built directly into SteamOS
What’s particularly nice about Xbox controllers is that the button prompts in most Steam games match the Xbox controller layout, making for a more intuitive experience.
Do All Games Support External Wireless Controllers on the Steam Deck?
While the vast majority of games on Steam support external controllers, there are some exceptions and considerations:
Most Steam games with controller support work perfectly with external wireless controllers on the Steam Deck. However, you might encounter a few scenarios:
- Some indie games might only recognize specific controller types
- Certain games designed specifically for keyboard and mouse may have limited controller functionality
- Emulated games might require additional configuration
The good news is that Steam’s controller configuration tool is incredibly powerful. Even if a game doesn’t natively support your wireless controllers for steam deck, you can usually create a custom profile that maps controller inputs to keyboard and mouse commands.
For the best experience, I recommend checking wireless controller for steam deck compatibility before purchasing a game, especially if it’s a lesser-known title or a port from another platform.
Can I Connect Multiple Wireless Controllers for Multiplayer Games?
Yes, you can! The Steam Deck supports connecting multiple controllers simultaneously for local multiplayer gaming. This is perfect for docking your Steam Deck to a TV or monitor and enjoying games with friends.
The Steam Deck can handle up to 4-8 controllers at once (depending on the controller type), though most multiplayer games are designed for 2-4 players. Here’s how to make the most of multiplayer gaming on your Steam Deck:
- Pair each controller individually following the standard Bluetooth pairing process
- Launch your multiplayer game of choice
- Assign controllers to players through the game’s menu system
When setting up for multiplayer sessions, having your Steam Deck connected to a quality gaming monitor or TV becomes essential—especially when using wireless controllers for steam deck. A larger display with good viewing angles ensures everyone can see the action clearly. This is where a monitor with features like IPS panel technology (for wide viewing angles) and an adequate size (27″ or larger) becomes valuable.
What Should I Do If My Wireless Controller Isn’t Recognized by the Steam Deck?
If you’re having trouble getting your wireless controllers for steam deck to work, don’t worry – there are several troubleshooting steps you can try:
- Ensure your controller is charged and powered on
- Restart your Steam Deck (sometimes the simplest solution works)
- Update SteamOS to the latest version
- Try re-pairing the controller after forgetting it in the Bluetooth settings
- Check if the controller needs a firmware update (usually done via PC)
- Test the controller with another device to confirm it’s working properly
If you’re still having issues, community forums like Reddit’s r/SteamDeck can be incredibly helpful for troubleshooting specific controller models.
While rare, sometimes controller recognition issues can be related to physical components like the Steam Deck’s Bluetooth antenna. In these cases, an external Bluetooth adapter connected to your dock might provide a stronger connection.
Are There Any Wireless Controllers Specifically Designed for the Steam Deck?
While there aren’t many controllers exclusively designed for the Steam Deck, several manufacturers have created wireless controllers for steam deck with its unique needs in mind. The Hori Wireless HORIPAD for Steam is one example, featuring:
- Button layout optimized for Steam interface
- Programmable back buttons
- Gyro controls for motion-based gaming
- Designed specifically with Steam and Steam Deck compatibility as a priority
Additionally, several third-party companies have begun creating controllers that cater to the growing Steam Deck market, though many of these are still multi-platform devices that work across various systems.
For those who want the absolute best experience, controllers that offer both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity (like the 8BitDo Ultimate) give you options for how you connect to your Steam Deck, allowing you to prioritize either convenience or reduced latency.
How Do I Remap Buttons or Customize My Wireless Controller on Steam Deck?
One of the Steam Deck’s greatest strengths is its robust controller customization options. Here’s how to make your controller work exactly how you want:
While in a game, press the Steam button and go to “Controller Settings.” Select “Edit Layout” to:
- Remap buttons
- Create action sets
- Configure gyro controls
- Adjust stick sensitivity/deadzones
- Save custom profiles for each game
This customization lets you optimize your controller for different game genres—like using unique settings for shooters, racing games, or platformers. You can also share and download community profiles for popular games.
The Best Wireless Controllers for Steam Deck in 2025
After extensive testing with numerous controllers, here are my top recommendations for the best wireless controllers to use with your Steam Deck:
1. Xbox Core Wireless Controller
Why it’s great: The Xbox controller offers seamless compatibility, excellent ergonomics, and fantastic battery life. It’s essentially the gold standard for PC gaming controllers, and that excellence extends to the Steam Deck.
Perfect for: Most game genres, especially shooters and action games.
2. PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller (PS5)
Why it’s great: The DualSense brings advanced haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and a built-in gyroscope. For games that support these features, it can add an extra dimension to your gaming experience.
Perfect for: Games with detailed haptic implementation and those that benefit from motion controls.
3. 8BitDo Ultimate 2.4G Wireless Controller
Why it’s great: This controller offers Hall Effect joysticks (which don’t drift over time), customizable back buttons, and both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity options. It’s a premium third-party option with features that even first-party controllers don’t offer.
Perfect for: Serious gamers who want maximum customization and durability.
4. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Why it’s great: With exceptional battery life (40+ hours), comfortable ergonomics, and solid build quality, the Switch Pro controller is a surprisingly excellent choice for the Steam Deck.
Perfect for: Longer gaming sessions where battery life is crucial.
5. 8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Controller
Why it’s great: This controller combines retro aesthetics with modern features at a more affordable price point than some first-party options. It offers back buttons, profiles stored on the controller itself, and excellent cross-platform support.
Perfect for: Retro gaming and 2D platformers, while still being capable for most modern games.
Optimizing Your Complete Steam Deck Gaming Setup
While wireless controllers for steam deck are a significant upgrade to your gaming experience, considering your entire setup can take your enjoyment to the next level. Here are some complementary components worth considering:
The Perfect Monitor Pairing
When docking your Steam Deck to play on a larger screen, choosing the right monitor makes a huge difference. In 2025, these are the monitor types worth considering:
- IPS Gaming Monitors: Great color accuracy and wide viewing angles, perfect for solo or multiplayer. Choose at least 120Hz for smooth Steam Deck gameplay.
- VA Panel Monitors: Higher contrast for deeper blacks—ideal for atmospheric games in dark rooms.
- OLED Monitors: More expensive but deliver the best contrast, vibrant colors, and fast response times.
For Steam Deck specifically, a 1080p or 1440p monitor is ideal, as the Steam Deck might struggle to push higher resolutions in demanding games.
Ergonomic Gaming Mouse Considerations
For games that benefit from mouse input when docked, an ergonomic gaming mouse can complement your wireless controller setup:
- Vertical Mice: Reduce wrist strain during longer sessions
- Lightweight Gaming Mice: Offer faster movements with less fatigue
- Programmable Buttons: Can be mapped to specific functions in different games
Many gamers end up with a hybrid setup, using controllers for certain game types and switching to mouse and keyboard for others, particularly strategy games or first-person shooters where precision aiming is crucial.
Making the Most of Multiplayer with Wireless Controllers
he ability to connect multiple wireless controllers for steam deck transforms your device into a social gaming machine. Here are some tips for the best multiplayer experience:
- Invest in a dock with multiple USB ports for connecting 2.4GHz controller dongles
- Set up player profiles in Steam for each controller
- Keep a charging solution nearby for controllers during longer sessions
- Consider a larger monitor or TV for better visibility for all players
Some of the best local multiplayer experiences on Steam Deck include party games, fighting games, and co-op adventures that support 2-4 players locally.
Steam Deck Controller Accessories Worth Considering
To complete your wireless controller setup, consider these useful accessories:
- Controller charging stations: Keep multiple controllers charged and organized
- Protective cases: For transporting controllers alongside your Steam Deck
- Thumb grip caps: Add texture and height to analog sticks for better control
- Trigger extensions: Improve reach and comfort for the shoulder buttons
Many of these accessories work across multiple controller types, so you can standardize your setup even if you use different controller brands.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Controller
The right wireless controllers for steam deck can completely transform your gaming experience, offering better ergonomics, additional features, and more comfortable extended play sessions. Whether you choose the familiarity of an Xbox controller, the advanced features of the DualSense, or the customization of third-party options like the 8BitDo lineup, you’re sure to find an option that fits your gaming style.
Remember, the perfect controller is subjective and depends on:
- Your hand size and comfort preferences
- The types of games you primarily play
- Features you prioritize (battery life, additional buttons, etc.)
- Your budget
Don’t be afraid to try different options – many gamers end up with a small collection of wireless controllers for steam deck for different situations. Have you found a wireless controller that works perfectly with your Steam Deck? Or do you have questions about specific wireless controllers for steam deck not covered in this guide? Let us know in the comments below!
Note: Prices and availability of controllers may vary. All controllers mentioned were tested and available as of May 2025.