This page lists all controllers that are compatible with Steam Link and how they can be connected. Listed controllers work as normal unless otherwise stated.
If a controller is not listed, it is not compatible with Steam Link.
Connection Methods[]
There are 4 different methods to connect a controller with;
- Native: Works wirelessly with Bluetooth or proprietary protocol (like the Steam Controller). No additional hardware is required. Displayed as an XInput controller.
- Adapter: Adapters must be purchased from a third-party site and connected to the device to run the controller wirelessly. Displayed as an XInput controller.
- USB: Connecting the controller to the device via USB will have it recognized
- VirtualHere: Beta builds of Steam Link firmware can share one USB port with the host computer through VirtualHere. It requires extra configuration by the user. Since it's a license limitation to use more than one USB device, users can't use more than one device via this method.
| Controller | Connection Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Steam Controller | Native, Adapter, USB | Native support. |
| Wireless Xbox 360 | USB | Needs adapter, works natively with Steam Link. Wired controller works. Wired with charge and play attempts to connect to Xbox 360 and therefore does not work. |
| PS3 Controller | Native, USB. | Natively supported wired and wireless (since beta build 554). To pair over bluetooth: connect via USB cable press PS button. Unplug USB cable then press again PS button and now DS3 works over bluetooth. Some clones (CECHZC2H Bluetooth DualShochIII and OUBANG PS3 Controller Wireless Dualshock3) won't work wirelessly. |
| Xbox One Controller | USB, Adapter + VirtualHere. | Wired works as expected. Steam Link doesn't support the wireless adapter alone, but through VirtualHere it's supposed to work. (Model 1537 and 1697) |
| Xbox One S Controller | Native, USB. | Wired still works, newer version (2016 onwards, sold as "Xbox Wireless Controller") can be paired native using Bluetooth. (Model 1708). The controller support Rumble over Bluetooth after update. |
| PS4 Controller | Native, USB. | Wired or wireless works. Press the PS button + Share to power up to be detected by Steam Link. |
| Wii U Pro Controller | Native, Adapter. | Works natively, but ABXY are mapped like they are in the controller, which is in different order than X360 which emulates. Buttons can be reconfigured in the controller menu. |
| Tomee Snes USB | USB | Works natively, buttons are mapped differently, apparently some games don't acknowledge L & R. |
| Xbox 360 Controller | Native, Adapter, USB | Works natively 100%, buttons are correctly mapped. |
| Nvidia Shield Controller | Native, USB | Works natively over USB; the wireless mode only works with WiFi Direct and even then only with the Shield Portable, Tablet and TV. |
| SteelSeries Stratus XL (for Windows) | Native | Works via Bluetooth. Some buttons must be remapped manually. |
| SteelSeries Free | Native | Works via Bluetooth in Android/Windows mode. |
| MayFlash [PS2] | USB | Buttons are mapped incorrectly and must be remapped manually. |
| MayFlash [Saturn] | USB | Works with both first-party regular and 3D controllers. Joystick configuration is possible on Steam Link, but the button mapping menu is finicky, so it may require several tries. May not work with some third-party controllers. |
| MayFlash [PS3] | Adapter, VirtualHere, USB. | Works wireless with adapter. |
| iBuffalo SNES Controller | USB | Buttons work correctly, but the D-Pad is not detected. Works in game that support it. |
| Rainbow Force Silver | USB | Buttons are mapped correctly. |
| Nintendo Switch Pro Controller | Native, USB | Works via Bluetooth. Includes gyroscope and motion controls |
| PowerA Nintendo Switch Wireless Gamecube Controller | Bluetooth | Works well but buttons need to be mapped manually. |
| Asus TV500BG Wireless Gaming Controller | Bluetooth | Works perfectly. Buttons need to be mapped after pairing but no issues in function. |
| Unitec U.S.A double controller (generic chinese ps2 type) | USB | Works natively, buttons are mapped differently but can be remapped on steam. When configuring on the link or the main steam app only the second controller is recognized correctly but the configuration aplies to the two controllers and works perfect. |
| Genius maxfire g-12u | USB | Works natively, buttons are mapped differently but can be remapped on Steam. |
| PowerA Mini PS3 Controller | USB | Works natively and mapped correctly. |
| PowerA Xbox One Wired Controller | USB | Detected during initial setup but did not function, after Steam Link updated controller works perfectly. |
| 8BitDo SN30 Pro+ | Native, USB, Bluetooth | Xinput and Switch modes both work natively, and gyro controls are supported in Switch mode. |
| PS5 Controller | Native, USB, Bluetooth | Detected and mapped correctly. Press the PS button + Share to power up to be detected by Steam Link. USB connection works via USB-C–to–USB-A adapter, but does not charge or power the controller, leading to disconnection when the controller runs out of battery. |