Valve released a new Steam Deck Beta update that includes a useful tweak to its Xbox controller detection.

There’s a bit of a problem with modern Xbox controllers and Bluetooth, where they won’t properly connect up with SteamOS / Linux unless they’ve gone through a firmware update. I’ve seen a lot of support requests about this issue over the years and so it’s good to see Valve highlight it directly. While it’s a Steam Deck Beta Client update, it should apply to other SteamOS devices too.

  • Bluegrass_Addict@lemmy.ca
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    2 days ago

    I’d personally buy a new controller from anyone that isn’t mucrosoft before I flash new firmware on a controller

      • LiveLM@lemmy.zip
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        21 hours ago

        The 8BitDo Ultimate Wireless 2 also only received full Steam Input capabilities after a couple firmware updates to the Controller and 2.4g dongle.

      • Domi@lemmy.secnd.me
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        1 day ago

        The feature recently added to the PS5’s Dualsense that allows them to pair with multiple devices was such a huge QoL change.

        Does that only apply to playstations or can you pair to multiple PCs? Might have to upgrade then.

          • phx@lemmy.world
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            2 hours ago

            Agreed. Multi-pairing is such an underrated feature. It’s especially great when it comes with a hardware selector (in case you’ve got multiple devices paired in range).

            I picked up a Logitech mouse that pairs up to 3 devices and has a button+LED’s on the bottom to switch between. It’s awesome

          • vithigar@lemmy.ca
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            1 day ago

            You might be interested to know that when connected to a PC and using Steam you can turn off the controller quickly with PS+Triangle.

    • monkeyman512@lemmy.world
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      1 day ago

      Are you trying to say, “Don’t buy a Xbox controller then flash it”? I can understand the decision to not do business with MS, but I assume most people already possess that controller and are trying make use of what they have.

      This is not a critique, I just don’t understand what you are intending to communicate.

        • LedgeDrop@lemmy.zip
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          1 day ago

          I’m often reluctant to upgrade firmware. Often because I like to tinker and upgrading firmware (now-a-days) doesn’t allow downgrading. Which is kinda silly (from a technical perspective) as it “forces” you to keep chasing the next updates for hardware I own.

          If my network printer works and addresses all my needs (works on windows, apple, Linux, and Android) - I don’t gain a lot by upgrading the firmware, but I do risk a lot (in terms of compatibility) if I do upgrade (with no downgrade path).

          Like wise with my controller firmware. I only update if it’s something in the internet (printer doesn’t count as it’s firewalled off) or if something is broken/I’m not happy with the device.

      • Psythik@lemmy.world
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        1 day ago

        Do they make a pad that is exactly like the upcoming Steam Controller Mk.II, except with two extra face buttons next to B & Y (like an old Sega controller)? It should also have cooling fans for my hands without sacrificing rumble (just like an old Logitech controller I had back in the day).

        Something like that is my dream controller and I’ve been waiting for someone to come along and make it for years. At this point I think I’m going to have to buy a 3D printer, and get in touch with someone who fabricates circuit boards, because I’m tired of waiting.

        • VindictiveJudge@lemmy.world
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          21 hours ago

          I don’t care about the fans, but having six face buttons instead of four would be huge for certain things, like emulating certain consoles.

          • Psythik@lemmy.world
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            4 hours ago

            Ex-fucking-actly! A world of possibilities would open up in the realm of emulators with a 6 button pad.