How to Use a PlayStation 5 Controller With Steam

Windows: PlayStation 5 owners can now use their PS5’s DualSense controllers to play PC games on Steam. Valve’s most recent Steam beta adds full compatibility for the DualSense in all controller-enabled games by default—no extra software to necessary, and no settings to configure.

DualSense support in Steam was inevitable—the app supports over 200 other controller options, including many Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4 controllers—but getting near-perfect compatibility in Steam so soon after the PS5’s launch is exciting. After all, the PS5's controller is easily one of the best controllers on any system.

I still think it’s worth waiting to buy the PS5 (not that many people have a choice, due to the low supplies), but I have a confession: I bought one, and the coolest thing about it is the DualSense controller. It’s well-built, the buttons are snappy, and the thumbsticks have good tension, but it’s the controller’s haptic rumble and adaptive triggers that have me smitten.

Unfortunately, the DualSense’s adaptive triggers—which can simulate extra tension based on in-game actions—are the only feature Steam does not support. However, the controller’s gyro, touchpad, and haptic rumble will work for all controller-enabled Steam games without the need for patches from the developers.

How to set up your PlayStation 5 Controller in Steam

Before you can use the PS5 controller in Steam, you need to opt into the Steam client beta. (The update should also roll out to the stable version soon, if you don’t mind waiting a little longer.)

G/O Media may get a commission

Screenshot: Brendan Hesse

1. Open Steam, then go to Steam > Settings > Account.
2. Click “Change” under “Beta participation.”
3. Select “Steam beta client” from the drop-down menu, then click “Okay.”
4. Select “Restart Steam” to apply the update.

With Steam updated, it’s time to connect the controller to your PC. You plug it in via USB-C cable (the charging cable that came packaged in your PS5 will work just fine), or you can also connect it to your PC via Bluetooth using these steps:

Screenshot: Brendan Hesse

1. On your Windows PC, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & Other Devices and make sure “Bluetooth” is enabled.
2. On your controller, press and hold the “PS” + “Share” buttons simultaneously until the LED blinking blue.
3. Back in your PC’s Bluetooth settings, click “Add Bluetooth or other device” and select “Bluetooth.”
4. Click the controller in the list of available devices.
5. You’ll know it’s connected when the PS5 controller’s LED stops blinking and a Windows Notification appears saying “Wireless Controller Ready to Use.”

Once your DualSense controller is connected to Windows, open Steam and wait for the app to recognize the controller. A Steam notification will pop up when the controller is connected. Your Steam games are now playable with the PS5 controller, and you can use it to control the app while in Big Picture Mode.

[The Verge]

from Lifehacker https://ift.tt/360wd3B

Related Items