If, like me, you prefer to play your PC games with a controller stolen from the console box, good news is coming. Steam is testing comprehensive features for PS5 and Xbox controllers, including additional customization and button mapping. I myself still rock with a pretty old Xbox One controller, but by the time I upgrade it sounds like all the new features are just ready and waiting for me when I plug one in.
Earlier this week, Steam outlined a few new features for you to try out if you switch to the Steam Client Beta branch. Xbox controllers get the most gains this time with the ability to reconnect the share button on the Xbox Series X controller and tie those fancy paddles up there on the back of the Elite controller into your controller configurations.
They are also testing support for more than four Xbox controllers. I don’t know about you, but there are currently no more than four Xbox controllers or creature cable to handle them in my household. Maybe by the end of 2021, right?
PS5 controllers get a little nod for now with the option to turn the LED light on the gamepad on or off, or turn it on only when multiple controllers are connected. Steam also improved support for the PS5 controller late last year, not long after the new system launched.
There’s also a little more in Steam’s update on support for the Wooting Two keyboard, HOTAS and G15 devices.
If you’d like to hook up your entire family of Xbox controllers and see what’s happening, you can sign up for the beta in the account section of your Steam settings menu.