Steam Deck: Free plugin transforms handheld into DualSense or Xbox controller

The Steam Deck could already be used as a PC controller, but the process wasn't particularly convenient. It required establishing a connection via Steam Link or Steam Remote Play and largely bypassing the actual streaming functionality so that essentially only the handheld's inputs were transmitted.

A new community plugin now offers a much simpler solution: The Steam Deck connects directly via Bluetooth as a controller, making it almost as easy to use as a regular gamepad. The aptly named “Deck as Controller” plugin was created by developer jmedina21, who offers the project as a free download on GitHub.

Steam Deck disguises itself as a DualSense or Xbox controller

After installation via Decky Loader, users can select which controller the Steam Deck should identify as to the target device. The current options are DualSense, DualSense Edge and Xbox Elite Series 2. Steam Controller emulation is also planned.

The key advantage is that no additional software is required on the connected device. With the plugin, the Steam Deck works like a regular Bluetooth controller. In DualSense Edge mode, even the four rear buttons can be used. Both trackpads and gyro controls are supported as well. While gaming, the Deck's display can be switched off to avoid unnecessarily draining the handheld's battery.

Plugin still in early beta

It's worth noting that the plugin is still in an early beta stage. So far, it has mainly been tested with a Steam Deck OLED (reviewed here on Notebookcheck) connected to a Mac and an iPad. Windows and Linux should theoretically work as well, but the developer has not yet tested them extensively. Consoles such as the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S are not currently supported. USB connections are also not supported at this time.

On Reddit, the idea has nevertheless been well received. Several users say they have been looking for exactly this kind of solution for quite some time. However, Redditors also point out a fairly obvious drawback: At around half a kilogram, the Steam Deck isn't exactly the most comfortable controller for long gaming sessions. The plugin could be particularly useful while traveling – for example, when the Deck is already packed alongside a gaming laptop but there is no separate gamepad in the bag.