Steam users who prefer controllers over mouse and keyboard now have more options than ever.
As detailed in the patch notes for a new client beta that released yesterday, Steam has added support for Nintendo’s Switch controller, the Joy-Con. These can be used either “individually as a mini-gamepad” or “combined into pairs,” according to Valve.
Steam’s new beta update also includes improved support for “Nintendo Online classic controllers,” which presumably includes the N64, SNES, and NES controllers that Nintendo sells exclusively through its online store.
The short patch notes, per Steam’s announcements page:
Steam Input
- Added support for Nintendo Joy-Con controllers, both individually as a mini-gamepad and combined into pairs
- Improved support for the Nintendo Online classic controllers
Nintendo launched the Switch console and its complementary Joy-Con controllers on March 3, 2017. The controller is one of the more unique ones on today’s market, in that it comprises two pieces that can be joined or used separately.
Various colors of the Joy-Con have since been released beyond the standard Neon Blue/Neon Red options, including Blue/Neon Yellow, Neon Pink/Neon Green, and, for the minimal types, just gray, not to mention special editions that include Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ pastel green and blue controllers.
Joy-Con sets are typically available for purchase for $79.99, with individual left and right pieces going for $39.99 each. A cursory glance at major retailers would suggest that many third-party Joy-Con derivatives are also available.
Source: Steam