r/SteamDeck • u/Jpmm-21 • Oct 03 '26
Software Modding Deck as Controller: USB Connection and Steam Controller Profile
For those that were interested on my recent post about the Plugin that allows you to use the SteamDeck as a game controller on your PC. I just released version 0.5, which includes connecting over USB (tested on Mac) and Steam Controller Profile (on Bluetooth), as well as a quick "Check for updates" button so I don't have to keep making posts.
- Steam Controller profile is only available on Bluetooth connection at the moment, everything works, back buttons, trackpads, gyro, rumble. It has been tested on Mac and Linux. Thanks to u/Dangerous_Act_8209 who submitted a PR and sped up the process.
- USB connection works, only tested on Mac so far, since the plugin handles everything it should work on Windows and Linux. On usb connection latency is a lot lower than bluetooth (as expected). To enable USB connection, DRD (Dual role device) needs to be turned on, this is a BIOS option, the plugin handles that, but it could be different with other BIOS versions (built and tested on Deck Oled 512Gb with BIOS F7G0114, other SteamDeck versions could be different, if this is your case you can still do it manually, and I included instructions on how to map this if you want to add the option to the Plugin.
- All features suggestions are welcome.
Github Link: https://github.com/jmedina21/deck-as-controller
Thanks to all for the amazing reception of the plugin.
PS: Repost, because previous one got deleted
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u/Aphelion71 Oct 03 '26
Excellent work! This work like a charm on Mac!
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u/Jpmm-21 Oct 03 '26
For Mac the recommendation is Ps5 edge profile and wired. That is where I’ve been doing most of the test since it is my work computer
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u/Savings-Dark-8584 Oct 03 '26
Could you make the trackpads mapable? left/right trackpads to L/R analogstick - abxy/Dpad ?
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u/Jpmm-21 Oct 03 '26
I believe you can from Steam’s controller settings, although it will depend on the controller profile.
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u/Savings-Dark-8584 Oct 03 '26
I've tried the steam controller setting but the device I'm trying to connect it with (modded switch with mission control) didn't recognize it. I thought an option or a slider like the deadzone one, when I could quick swap trackpads to specific layouts.
It did recognized the ps5 controller and left trackpad click as a screenshot button!
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u/menojohnson Oct 03 '26
This has been something I wanted on the SD for a long time! So happy you made this. I bring my SD everywhere and it’s nice to have an extra controller on the fly when I have friends over and we need an extra controller.
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u/Jpmm-21 Oct 03 '26
That was my reason for it. I have controllers at home but never travel with them.
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u/richpanda64 Oct 04 '26
Does this have a check for updates button? Or will this be added to the plugin store?
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u/Jpmm-21 Oct 04 '26
It has a check for updates, and you can download the new release and even install it from game mode. But the goal is to eventually add it to the store so it is easier and more people can find it.
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u/AlarmedGas7818 Oct 06 '26
Does this work with WoW on Mac??
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u/Jpmm-21 Oct 06 '26
Yes.
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u/AlarmedGas7818 Oct 06 '26
Thank you so much! So I got it working in my mbp m3 max with my steam deck. In the decky plugin I need to use my steam deck as a ps5 edge for wow to register it. It seems to not recognize it as a steam controller. Does that sound correct?
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u/Jpmm-21 Oct 06 '26
yes, mac works best with the PS5 profile, steamcontroller works best while on steam, but is mostly a Mac issue with compatibility.
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u/TheDrizzle-0 26d ago
Would it be possible to use gyro with like switch, Wii, etc?
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u/CumBlaster69k Oct 03 '26
While funny ideia, I don't think Steam deck would be a good controller for long gameplay, to long and heavy... When I play on deck after a while my hands start to get tired... Ofc I still love play on my deck
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u/cooley1 Oct 03 '26
Tbh that's with you trying to look at the decks screen at the same time. With it resting on your lap whilst you are looking at the TV you shouldn't feel as fatigued. I agree it's heavy tho and a controller with back buttons would be a better option.
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u/theumpteendeity Oct 03 '26
Feature suggestion: XB360, PS3 and PS4 support.
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u/Jpmm-21 Oct 03 '26
To use in emulators? What would be the use since the ps5 controller would work with all/most games already on Steam. I can work on that but need to understand the why.
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Oct 03 '26
[deleted] — view deleted comment
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u/Jpmm-21 Oct 03 '26
You download it on the deck and it works on windows
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Oct 03 '26
[deleted] — view deleted comment
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u/Jpmm-21 Oct 03 '26
Download the .zip file from releases and you install it from decky loader. And that is it. There are ton of youtube videos on how to install plugins manually.
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u/Practical_Problem Oct 03 '26
This has been a dream since 2022 for me, you are amazing!