The Steam Deck might be one of the best handheld gaming PCs on the market today, but sometimes you just want to hack, slash, build, or drive on a big screen. But to do that, you’ll want to pick up a Steam Deck dock, and one of the best Steam Deck controllers around, for the best experience possible.
TL;DR - These are the Steam Deck controllers
- PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller
- Xbox Elite Series 2
- 8BitDo Ultimate Controller With Charging Dock
- KingKong 2 Pro Controller
- PowerA Wireless GameCube Style Controller
There are plenty of Steam Deck controllers to choose from that are compatible with the console. However, not all controller features will work. This is something you should consider when purchasing a controller.
Since many Steam Deck controllers are also compatible with other consoles, like the Switch, PS5, and Xbox, you may find investing in a more premium controller reaps additional benefits across all of your consoles.
Ultimately, however, the Steam Deck controller you choose should suit your playstyle (and your budget). Check out our recommendations below!
1. PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller
Best Steam Deck Controller Overall
Pros:
- Built-in microphone
- Impressive build quality
Cons:
- Not the best battery life
Sony has always been known for making impressive, feature-rich, and comfortable controllers. The PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller ticks all the right boxes, its grip is perfectly comfortable even during longer gaming sessions, and its haptic feedback offers incredible immersive gameplay.
The PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller also comes with a 3.5mm jack, so you can easily plug in some wired headphones, as well as having a built-in microphone, making it easy to chat with friends as you play.
Of course, if you also own a PS5, the PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller is perfect, as you can use it for both your Steam Deck and your PlayStation, saving you space by simply using a single controller for both devices.
2. Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller
Most Feature-Rich
Pros:
- Three ways to connect
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Not for bigger hands
The Xbox Elite Series 2 might be more expensive than other Steam Deck compatible controllers, but it comes with a range of features that make it one of the best wireless controllers on the market today, that is until the Xbox Elite Series 3 comes out, of course.
The main selling point of the Xbox Elite Series 2 is its interchangeable components, letting you change the thumbsticks and directional buttons to the right height for you. It also features adjustable trigger locks, as well as four customizable paddles.
Thanks to the rubber grip, the Xbox Elite Series 2 isn’t just one of the most feature-rich controllers out there, it’s one of the most comfortable controllers I’ve ever used.
3. 8BitDo Ultimate Controller With Charging Dock
Best Connectivity
Pros:
- Three ways to connect
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Not for bigger hands
8BitDo is a popular company that is known for creating affordable controllers with the kind of performance and build quality you would expect to see from a controller double its price.
The 8BitDo Ultimate Controller With Charging Dock is small and lightweight, which makes it a great choice for those looking for something both comfortable and portable. Although, thanks to its smaller size, gamers with bigger hands might struggle with the 8BitDo Ultimate Controller.
With three connectivity options, the 8BitDo Ultimate Controller lets you connect to your Steam Deck, or any other compatible device via Bluetooth, 2.4Ghz wireless, and USB-C, making it one of the best Steam Deck controllers for compatibility.
And finally, the 8BitDo Ultimate Controller’s included charging dock makes charging your device a breeze, without the need for disposable batteries.
4. GuliKit KingKong 2 Pro Controller
Best Bluetooth Controller
Pros:
- Long battery life
- No drifting
Cons:
- Buttons could be more tactile
OK, firstly, let’s address the elephant in the room, the KingKong 2 Pro Controller clearly resembles the Xbox Wireless controller, not that that’s a bad thing, many gamers prefer the chunky design.
The KingKong 2 Pro Controller takes this tried and tested design, and loads it to the teeth with incredible features, such as swappable buttons for Nintendo Switch players, anti-drifting electromagnetic thumbsticks, and a dedicated 100% no dead zone, FPS mode, to name but a few.
Thanks to its wireless and wired connectivity, as well as an impressive battery that can last up to 25 hours, the KingKong 2 Pro Controller is a high-quality Steam Deck compatible controller built to keep you in game as long as you need.
5. PowerA Wireless GameCube Style Controller
Best for Retro Gamers
Pros:
- Nostalgic retro design
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Not rechargeable
The PowerA Wireless GameCube Style Controller might not be the most feature-rich controller out there, but what it lacks in features it makes up for in, well, just being an awesome nostalgia-inspiring retro classic for modern consoles.
Gamers who used to play the GameCube will love the design, and for you younger gamers, yes, controllers used to look like this! But, more than looks, the design lends itself to be very ergonomic, suitable for many gamers. And if you have one, it’s a great alternative to the Nintendo Switch controller.
Using Bluetooth 5.0, it’s incredibly easy to connect this controller to your Steam Deck with very little fuss. It comes with two AA batteries, giving you around 30 hours of gameplay, uninterrupted.
How To Choose the Best Steam Deck Controller
Picking the best Steam Deck controller is less about compatibility and more about what features it has, and whether it’s the best choice for your playstyle. Since the Steam Deck accepts Bluetooth and wired (USB-C) controllers, you’ll have plenty of choice.
Not all controller features will work on the Steam Deck, however, so this is something you should bear in mind. What’s really important is how comfortable you are with your chosen Steam Deck controller.
If you already own other consoles like the PS5, Xbox Series X, or Nintendo Switch, you’ll likely find the controllers are cross-compatible. Therefore, you can save quite a bit of money by not having to fork out for a new controller for each console.
If you enjoy sitting back in your couch and playing from a distance, a wireless Steam Deck controller is likely to be your best bet. But if you play up close or plug your Steam Deck into a monitor, then a wired controller will probably be more affordable and often has more choice.
Upcoming Steam Deck Controllers
Although it hasn’t yet officially been announced, there are rumors that Microsoft will release an Xbox Elite Series 3 controller potentially in 2024 or 2025. However, it’s going to have to boast some pretty impressive features to make it better than the already very popular Elite Series 2 controller.
FAQs
Can I Use a PS5 Controller on Steam Deck?
As the Steam Deck has built-in Bluetooth, it works with the PS5 DualSense controller. There’s very little you need to do to get the controller connected, making it an easy and cheaper option if you already own a PS5.
Can I Use Third-Party Controllers on Steam Deck?
Yes, most Bluetooth controllers work seamlessly with the Steam Deck. You don’t need an official controller from any console for it to work.
Can You Use an Xbox Elite Controller on Steam Deck?
The Xbox Elite 2 controller is one of the best console controllers you can purchase. Thankfully, you can use it on the Steam Deck. However, some users have reported that certain aspects of the controller won’t work at all times, including the paddles.
Kegan is an avid gamer who has been playing games since his Atari days. From a young age Kegan was tinkering with PCs and now has a passion for building custom gaming computers.
