Get to learn more about how to use a PS4 controller with Steam. Steam has become a popular platform that is growing at an exponential rate. It has become one of the most used software when connecting PlayStation controllers, like the PS4 Dual-Shock 4 controller.
Steam makes it easier to use the PS4 controller for a game while providing options to configure the controls. Customization is allowed on Steam to give you the best gaming experience. You could either make use of your PS4 controller wired or wireless.
How to Use the PS4 Controller on Steam with Wired Connection
Plugging your PS4 controller into your PC is one of the easiest ways to use the controller on Steam. You would only need a USB cable that supports data. If you prefer to connect the PS4 controller via wire to use on Steam, then:
- Launch the Steam application on your PC.
- Connect your PS4 controller to the USB port in your PC with the USB cable.
- On the Steam software, go to settings and click on the controller.
- Click on general controller settings.
- Your controller would appear under detected controllers.
- Tick on the box behind PS4 configuration support and customize it to your desire.
- Select the submit button below in the pop-up window.
Now you can begin gaming on Steam with the PS4 Dual-Shock 4 controller. Also, ensure you are using a faulty cable because it may bridge the connection with the controller.
How to Use the PS4 Controller on Steam with Wireless Connection
The wireless experience is ten times more comfortable than wired. It removes the restrictions a wire would give during gaming, like for those who stand during intense matches. If you want to use a PS4 controller on Steam wirelessly:
- Go to settings on your PC
- Turn on Bluetooth
- Click on Add Bluetooth or another device.
- Click on the Bluetooth option.
- Now, on your PS4 controller, hold down the PS button and the share button at the same time until you see blinking lights under the touchpad.
- Click on the wireless controller option on your windows.
- You will see a message like your device is ready to go if the connection was successful
- Launch Steam on your system and click on the Steam button in the top left corner of the menu bar.
- Click on settings, then click on the controller in the menu that appears.
- Then click on general controller settings
- Press the box next to PlayStation Configuration Support to tick that option.
- You can go back to the previous menu and click on all the configuration settings to customize your controller.
Your PS4 controller is now ready and you are all set up to start your gaming journey with Steam using the PS4 Dual-Shock 4 controller.
How to Use the PS4 Controller on Steam with Wireless Connection with Dongle
Normally connecting the PS4 controller to Steam on your PC would just involve you turning on your controller. The PC should detect it automatically but if it doesn’t then a PS4 wireless dongle is needed. It can be easily purchased from Sony. To use the PS4 controller on Steam with a wireless controller:
- After purchasing the PS4 Bluetooth dongle, plug it into one of the USB ports on your computer.
- At the same time, hold the PlayStation logo button and the share button on your controller.
- Do that until you see a blinking light under the touchpad of the controller.
- When you see the controller on the device list, tap the x button on the PS4 controller to activate it.
- Then press the button at the end of the dongle. Make sure it also starts blinking.
- Launch Steam on your system and click on the Steam button in the top left corner of the menu bar.
- Click on settings, then in the menu that appears, click on controller.
- Then click on general controller settings
- Press the box next to PlayStation Configuration Support to tick that option.
- Your PS4 controller is now ready.
- You can go back to the previous menu and click on all the configuration settings to customize your controller.
This is mainly for PC with bad Bluetooth connection or older models without Bluetooth on their system. Alternatively, you could get a Bluetooth adapter and connect the same way.
How To Configure In-Game Controls on Steam
Now you can play most of the Steam games with your PS4 Dula-Shock 4 controller. The controls would be in default but you can customize your controls for some games. Most games have a keyboard input function which is different from the PS4 controller. To customize:
- Press the button with the PlayStation Logo.
- With the pop-up screen, you can configure some keyboard controls to your controls. This would enhance your gameplay.
Most updated games should show the PlayStation configuration directly but some old-fashioned games would display Xbox controls. Even with that, navigate your way through the controls and edit to your satisfaction.
How To Steam Using a PS4 Controller
You can navigate around the Steam platform replacing the keyboard and mouth with the various buttons on your PS4 controller. If you want to set these controls:
- Press the PlayStation button to open Steam in big-picture mode. You could also select it on the top right corner
- Click on a settings-like icon at the top right corner of the Steam platform.
- Click on base configurations and then click on picture mode configuration.
- Now you can set the controls to navigate Steam in big picture mode.
You could even set your joystick or touchpad to perform as a mouse and use the controller buttons as keyboard keys.
Conclusion
The PS4 controller is one of the best options when it comes to gaming on Steam. When compared to other controllers like the Xbox controller and the rest, it stands out. It is very comfortable and easy to use it is a top choice for those who play games regularly. You should now be able to set up your PS4 controller to play on Steam. If you are still unable to use your controller with steam, then you should go back to the first step and start all over again.
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