Here are the Best Controllers for Steam Deck (and PC) in 2025
If you've followed me for any length of time, you'll know that I consider myself a bit of a controller nerd. I even commissioned a custom desk with special cubbies designed specifically to display and charge my wide array of gamepads and peripherals.
Every controller on this list is compatible with PC/Steam Deck—some with adapters, but most through USB or Bluetooth. So here's my breakdown of nine controllers I think every Steam Deck owner should consider.
This article is a re-post of one of my videos from 2024. You can watch that video at the end of this article!
The Steam Deck’s Built-In Controller
Let’s start with the Steam Deck’s native controls—my all-time favorite gamepad. This controller has everything: face buttons, analog triggers, bumpers, a fantastic D-pad, function buttons, and thumbsticks. But it doesn’t stop there. It includes capacitive touch sensors on the thumbsticks, two trackpads, two sets of rear paddle buttons, and a touchscreen. All of these are completely reconfigurable to match any game.
The trackpads can emulate a mouse or display an on-screen HUD. The touch-sensitive thumbsticks can activate gyro control when your finger is on them, offering incredible precision when you need it—great for games like Dragon Age where right-click camera movement can be remapped to the joystick tip.
Without these features, many PC games would require a keyboard and mouse, defeating the purpose of a handheld. That’s why the Steam Deck's built-in controls remain my go-to—especially in handheld mode. But when I dock it or stream, I turn to other controllers.
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
The Switch Pro Controller is a solid gamepad. It has Xbox-style thumbstick placement, four large and responsive face buttons, motion control (gyro), and a decent battery life—when it’s actually charged.
However, it lacks analog triggers, making gyro aiming harder to fine-tune. The D-pad is stiff and less responsive than I’d expect from Nintendo. Worse, it seems to drain battery even when turned off, and it's often dead when I pick it up.
Despite its flaws, the controller works natively with Steam Input via Bluetooth or USB-C. It’s a good pick if you don’t need analog triggers and remember to keep it charged.
8BitDo Pro 2
The 8BitDo Pro 2 has a great ergonomic design somewhere between the Xbox Series and Switch Pro controllers. It features symmetrical analog sticks (PlayStation-style), a responsive D-pad, and fluid Hall Effect thumbsticks.
It supports multiple modes: XInput, DirectInput, Switch, and Android. Unfortunately, gyro only works in Switch mode, where the triggers become digital. Also, the rear paddles can't be customized in Steam Input.
A neat touch: the rechargeable battery can be replaced with AA batteries. To connect it to your Steam Deck, use Bluetooth or a USB-C cable.
GameCube Controller + USB Adapter
A nostalgic pick, the GameCube controller has unique ergonomics, a satisfying dual-stage trigger, and a distinctive button layout. However, it lacks modern features like a home button, L3/R3, and has a stiff D-pad.
You’ll need a GameCube-to-USB adapter (like the Wii U version) to use it on the Steam Deck. It’s not ideal for most modern games, but for Smash Bros. and emulation, nothing else compares.
DualShock 4
The DualShock 4 is a classic. Great analog sticks, near-perfect D-pad, motion controls, and a clickable touchpad make it one of the best gamepads for Steam Deck.
Its downsides? The outdated micro-USB connector and a blinding LED light bar (adjustable in Steam Input). Still, it’s a fantastic option and nearly matches the Steam Deck’s controller in functionality.
8BitDo Ultimate 2.4GHz Controller & Bluetooth Controller
These two flavors of the 8BitDo Ultimate Controller offer great ergonomics, responsive face buttons, a solid D-pad, and smooth sticks. They feel fantastic to hold and use.
Rear paddles work well but aren't configurable in Steam Input unless Steam Input is disabled. Gyro controls are only accessible in Switch mode—meaning digital triggers. The Bluetooth model is easier to connect to the Steam Deck, but the 2.4GHz version has better performance.
The face button layout differs: Switch-style for Bluetooth, Xbox-style for 2.4GHz.
Gulikit KK3 Max Controller
The Gulikit KK3 Max is a premium controller with hall effect sensors (no stick drift), RGB lighting, swappable button layouts, and customizable paddles. Its dual-stage triggers can transform into tactile buttons using physical sliders—perfect for shooters.
Its D-pad is average, and like others, gyro only works in Switch mode (Bluetooth). Other modes include Windows (Xbox Series), Android (also Xbox), and 2.4GHz (Xbox 360). Each has trade-offs, with Switch mode offering gyro but sacrificing analog triggers.
Still, the KK3 Max delivers a fantastic experience overall.
PlayStation 5 DualSense Controller
Finally, the DualSense—the PS5 controller—is an evolution of the DualShock 4. It features all the essentials: face buttons, triggers, motion control, and a large multi-touch trackpad.
It adds a built-in mic, adaptive triggers, and enhanced haptics. The trackpad is customizable via Steam Input, offering Steam Deck-like functionality. Ergonomically, it's excellent—just shy of perfect for my hands.
Conclusion
Each controller here brings something special to the table, but none quite dethrones the Steam Deck’s built-in gamepad for handheld use. When docked, however, you’ve got plenty of compelling options—from the retro charm of the GameCube controller to the modern versatility of the DualSense.