Steam Revolutionizes PC Gaming with Enhanced Controller Support

Steam, the popular PC gaming platform, has recently unveiled an exciting new feature that allows users to easily identify which games on their marketplace support PlayStation’s DualShock and DualSense controllers. This update will greatly enhance the gaming experience for PC players who prefer using these controllers. Additionally, Steam now offers a specific search function that enables users to find games based on controller compatibility, further streamlining the gaming process.

Elevating the Gaming Experience

Valve, the developer behind Steam, has made significant strides in improving controller support for PC games. Games that already offer compatibility with Xbox controllers have been marked as such for some time now. With the latest update, Steam has introduced dedicated tabs for DualShock and DualSense controllers on game pages. This feature mirrors the existing support for Xbox controllers and makes it easy for players to identify which controllers are compatible with their favorite games.

Furthermore, Steam’s new update includes an additional tab for games that utilize the Steam Input API. This API boasts compatibility with over 200 extra controllers, enhancing accessibility and customization options for gamers.

A Closer Look at Enhanced Features

Steam’s store pages have also undergone improvements to provide more detailed information about controller support. Game pages now specify whether a game offers “Full” or “Partial” support for each Xbox and PlayStation controller. “Full” support indicates that players can enjoy a complete gaming experience using a controller, while “Partial” support suggests that players might still need to rely on a mouse and keyboard for certain actions. This valuable information enables users to make informed decisions about their gaming preferences.

In addition to the visual reference on store pages, Steam has updated its Controller-Friendly hub and general Store search functions to allow users to filter games based on specific controller support. These improvements also extend to the Library tab, enabling players to quickly find and play games they already own that fully integrate with their chosen controller. These updates are also available in Big Picture mode, which is ideal for those browsing Steam with a controller, and will automatically default to the user’s most recent controller choice.

Impressive Controller Usage Statistics

In a blog post accompanying the update, Valve shared some fascinating statistics about controller usage among Steam players. Surprisingly, approximately 12% of all Steam players regularly use a controller. This percentage rises exponentially for popular ball sports games such as FIFA, where over 80% of players use controllers. Furthermore, over 50% of players in punishing RPGs, commonly known as “Soulslikes,” opt for controller gameplay.

Regarding controller preferences, Xbox controllers dominate the PC gaming landscape, accounting for over 60% of controller usage. PlayStation controllers, despite a relative lack of widespread support, represent just over a quarter of controller usage. Interestingly, four years ago, Xbox controllers accounted for over three-quarters of controller use, while PlayStation controllers comprised less than a fifth. However, in recent years, PlayStation controller usage has quadrupled in terms of the number of gaming sessions. In the last year alone, there have been over three billion game sessions utilizing any type of controller, compared to approximately 990 million in November 2019.

The release of Valve’s own Steam Deck, along with the popularity of Nintendo’s Switch Pro controller and other devices, has slightly diminished Xbox’s market dominance in the controller realm.

Embrace the Enhanced Controller Experience

Steam’s controller updates are now live, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in their favorite ball sports games, punishing RPGs, or any other gaming adventures with the DualSense and DualShock controllers. With its commitment to enhancing the gaming experience and providing extensive controller support, Steam continues to revolutionize the world of PC gaming.