this post was submitted on 17 Aug 2025
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Steam Deck

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I would like to know if it is possible to use an external controller instead of using the mouse/keyboard in desktop mode on Steam Deck?

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[–] LainTrain@lemmy.dbzer0.com 9 points 17 hours ago

Yes of course

[–] RageAgainstTheRich@lemmy.world 7 points 16 hours ago

Yeah i use my controller in desktop mode. You can set the steam input profile in the steam settings on desktop mode.

[–] Pamboo@piefed.social 4 points 15 hours ago

I'm really amazed that it works so well. Thanks everybody

[–] awesomesauce309@midwest.social 5 points 17 hours ago

It should work, it might think it’s player 2 though. In handheld mode there is a menu to change controller order, not sure where it’s at in desktop.

[–] Zachariah@lemmy.world 5 points 17 hours ago* (last edited 17 hours ago)

Yes

https://steamcommunity.com/app/1675200/discussions/0/6126609705338539181/

Boot into Dekstop Mode, open the Gamepad configuration, with the controller connected, swap the order of the controllers so the 360 is the primary (or see if you can turn off the Deck controller) and set your configuration for desktop there.

[–] v01dworks@piefed.social 3 points 17 hours ago

Using SteamInput yeah, I’m pretty sure

It basically works the same as the Deck’s controls itself, you’d just have to configure it in Steam. Not sure if it would have a default config or not though

[–] otacon239@lemmy.world 2 points 16 hours ago

You should even be able to connect using BT assuming it’s a wireless controller.