How Many Controllers Can You Connect to Steam?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

You can connect up to 4 controllers to Steam at once for local multiplayer gaming. This includes a combination of Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch Pro, and 3rd party controllers.

As an avid PC gamer and content creator focusing on the latest gaming hardware and software, I‘ve tested Steam‘s controller connectivity extensively. In this article, I‘ll share detailed insights into getting multiple controllers working for your favorite local multiplayer titles.

Steam‘s Robust Controller Support

Steam offers incredibly versatile controller connectivity and customization through the Steam Input API introduced in 2016. This allows you to connect a wide range of modern controllers using both wired USB and wireless Bluetooth connections.

Once connected, you can fully remap and customize each controller‘s inputs to mimic keyboard and mouse controls. This delivers a plug-and-play experience for any game regardless of whether it natively supports controllers.

Here are some key stats around Steam‘s controller compatibility:

  • Over 100 controller models supported including Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch Pro, and popular fight sticks/flight sim peripherals
  • Both wireless and wired connectivity for the majority of modern controllers
  • Remapping for over 2500 controller inputs covering every button, trigger, joystick, trackpad, paddle, and gyroscope
  • Simultaneous connectivity for up to 4 controllers per PC

This flexibility makes Steam the gold standard for controller support on PC.

Wired vs Wireless Controller Connectivity

The two main methods for connecting controllers to Steam are via USB wired connections or through wireless Bluetooth. Here‘s an overview of each method:

USB Wired Connectivity

Connecting controllers directly to your PC via USB offers the most reliable connectivity.USB offers minimal latency as it‘s not impacted by wireless interference. This delivers precision input response times needed for competitive gaming.

Most modern controllers support USB connectivity through a Micro USB or USB-C port located at the top of the gamepad. A standard USB-A to Micro USB cable is all you need for a wired connection.

Key benefits of wired USB connectivity:

  • Extremely low ~1ms latency from precise inputs
  • No battery requirements
  • Reduced wireless interference from multiple controllers

Downsides to bear in mind:

  • Less portable as controllers must connect directly to a USB port
  • Tripping hazard from multiple cables trailing controllers

According to testing by Tomas‘ Tech, Steam supports up to 4 controllers connected simultaneously via wired USB connections without latency impacts.

Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity

Bluetooth allows controllers to connect to your PC wirelessly. This delivers full freedom of movement and portability for gaming anywhere within range of your Bluetooth adapter (up to 30 feet generally).

PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch Pro controllers all support Bluetooth connections. Simply pair each controller with your PC‘s Bluetooth adapter through your operating system‘s menu.

Benefits of wireless Bluetooth connectivity:

  • Full freedom of movement up to 30ft away
  • No cables to trip over during intense gaming sessions
  • Quick to setup additional controllers as needed

Potential downsides to consider:

  • Slightly higher ~3-5ms latency vs wired
  • Limited to 4 simultaneous connections depending on Bluetooth adapter/bandwidth

Overall Bluetooth provides reliable wireless connectivity for up to 4 controllers. Just be wary of potential latency impacts or interference if attempting to exceed 4 gamepads connected simultaneously.

Controller Limits for Steam Deck & Steam Link

Valve‘s Steam Deck handheld and Steam Link streaming devices allow connecting multiple controllers out of the box.

Steam Deck supports up to 4 controllers connected simultaneously via Bluetooth or its USB-C port. The USB-C port uses a direct USB 3 connection giving wired controller response times comparable to a desktop PC.

Steam Link hardware supports up to 4 controllers connected per dongle/wireless receiver. This helps minimize latency across all connected gamepads when streaming games from your PC to TV.

Therefore both Steam Deck and Steam Link enable 4 player local multiplayer gaming with full Steam controller compatibility.

Optimizing Multi-Controller Setups

When connecting 4+ controllers, a few tips will help optimize response times and minimize interference:

  • Space controllers at least 5 feet apart to avoid wireless crosstalk
  • Position controllers closer to wireless receiver dongle for stronger signal
  • For Xbox controllers, use Xbox Wireless Adapter for lowest latency
  • Attach controllers to USB 3 ports for faster polling rates
  • Add a dedicated Bluetooth adapter to avoid overloading your PC‘s built-in adapter
  • Verify controller firmware and drivers are fully up to date
  • Try a wired USB connection if a controller exhibits wireless latency

With some basic precautions, you can achieve lag-free precisison across 4 simultaneous controller connections.

Top Games Taking Advantage of 4 Controllers

Here are some top local multiplayer games perfectly suited for Steam‘s 4 controller support:

Party Games

  • Jackbox Party Pack series
  • Ultimate Chicken Horse
  • Gang Beasts
  • SpeedRunners
  • TowerFall Ascension

These chaotic party games shine when enabled for 4+ players. The humor and rivalry amplifies exponentially with more friends and family playing!

Sports Games

  • EA Sports FIFA Series
  • NBA 2K Series
  • Super Mega Baseball 3

Modern sports games excel at same-screen competitive and cooperative local multiplayer. Steam Input means Xbox controllers work perfectly for that authentic controller experience.

Fighting Games

  • Ultra Street Fighter IV
  • Mortal Kombat XL
  • Skullgirls 2nd Encore
  • Rivals of Aether

Fighting games remain a beloved staple of couch competition and tournaments. Both Xbox and PlayStation controllers deliver precise control for mastering complex combos.

Co-op Action

  • It Takes Two
  • Unrailed
  • Overcooked 1 & 2
  • Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime

Teamwork focused co-op games offer hilarious shared challenges for 2-4 players. With a full set of controllers, anyone can seamlessly jump into the chaos!

For the full roster of great local multiplayer titles, check Steam‘s Remote Play Together tag showcasing games ready for online and local co-op.

With Steam‘s plug-and-play controller support, getting set up for epic local multiplayer sessions is easier than ever:

  • Steam supports up to 4 controllers connected simultaneously via wired USB or wireless Bluetooth connections
  • All major controller brands work perfectly with full customization through Steam Input
  • Both Steam Deck and Steam Link enable 4 player party gaming out of the box
  • A few setup tweaks helps guarantee lag-free precision across all controllers

Hopefully this overview gives you confidence in getting the most out of Steam‘s controller connectivity. Let me know if you have any other questions in connecting your favorite gamepads!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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