PC games with Steam, Xbox, or PS4 controller support

Best PC (Steam) games to play with a controller

Due to the massive popularity of consoles, it’s standard to expect PC games with controller support these days. Many gamers can’t imagine playing any releases involving driving without analog controls. Pulling off more complicated combos in the best fighting games with a keyboard can also be really hard. Platformers and sports games are also some of the best Steam games for controller input. What might come as a surprise is that some players prefer using their PS4 controller on PC even when playing FPS titles. All in all, many releases are fit to be played with these devices.

Can I connect an Xbox controller to a PC (Windows)?

If you want to use your Xbox controller on PC, you’ll be glad to hear that it’s not difficult to set up. The Xbox One and Series X/S gamepads can be connected to your machine using a USB cable or Bluetooth. The Xbox controller in Steam will work wirelessly whether you use an official Microsoft dongle, BT receivers built into motherboards, or third-party products.

It’s important to note, however, that the Xbox controller on PC will only support the vibration or “rumble” function when connected with a cable. After connecting the device, no further calibration is needed. You should experience no problems using your Xbox controller in Steam games.

Is it possible to use a PS4 controller with Steam?

If you’re a PlayStation 4 owner, you may wonder if you can use your DualShock 4 on PC. The good news is that in 2016 Valve introduced full support of the PS4 controller in Steam. Similarly to the Xbox gamepad, playing the best Steam games for controller will require additional hardware. Luckily, the essential gadgets should be pretty easy to come by. To use your DualShock 4 on PC you will need to connect it with a USB to micro-USB cable or via a Bluetooth receiver if you’re planning on gaming wirelessly.

These methods will let you enjoy your DS4 natively in Valve’s launcher. Be warned that there is an important option to ensure the proper use of your PS4 controller in Steam settings. You should head to General Controller Settings and tick the box next to PlayStation Configuration Support. That’s it when it comes to Valve’s platform. You should now be able to enjoy using your PS4 controller in Steam games.

Steam controller or PS4 / Xbox controller? Which is better for PC?

With all the PC games with controller support and all the devices available, you are surely wondering which choice is the best for you. Data from Valve shows that the Xbox controller on PC is the most popular. Using the DualShock 4 in Steam games is the second choice for gamers, while third-party hardware are next in line.

The company behind Steam did recognize that PC players often have different tastes and needs than console gamers and tried to innovate by introducing the Steam Controller. Unfortunately, the device wasn’t a huge hit and its sale was quickly terminated. What was most interesting about it was the addition of two trackpads meant to simulate the use of a mouse. This made RTS titles one of the best games for Steam Controller to support.

Despite this innovative feature and many customization options, the product had a significant problem. Steam Controller games had to be optimized by the player to feel really comfortable when playing with Valve’s gamepad. While the more tech-savvy gamers greatly appreciated all the personalization options, casual players did not see the appeal and stuck with the more plug-and-play choices.

Whether you decide to play your games with an Xbox controller on PC or go with the Dualshock may depend entirely on the feel. The main difference between them is the positioning of the left analog stick. While the PlayStation device sticks to the symmetrical layout, Microsoft is known to place the left joystick higher, switching its position with that of the D-pad. While some gamers tend to have a strong preference, it’s important to stress that both gamepads are fantastic pieces of technology. You can’t go wrong with either the Xbox or PS4 controller on PC.