Video game controllers developed by Microsoft, including what is probably the modern Xbox Wireless Controller and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, a premium controller that delivers adjustable-tension thumbsticks, interchangeable components, and other pro-level features, are the most popular controllers among Steam users by far, according to new statistics that Valve has published as part of an update relating to Steam Input and controller support. Average controller use on the platform has tripled since 2018, up from an average of 5% to 15%, Valve noted.
The latest stats regarding controller use on Steam:
- “Since 2018, daily average controller use has tripled from ~5% to up to 15%.”
- “~42% of these controller sessions are using Steam Input.”
- “During that time, the controller landscape has changed.”
- “59% of sessions are using Xbox controllers.”
- “26% are using PlayStation controllers.”
- “10% are on Steam Decks.”
Some of the recent features that Valve shipped to improve the controller experience:
- “Big Picture update – complete redesign of the controller first experience on Steam, bringing the Steam Deck user experience to the big screen.”
- “New controller configurator – rethought and simplified configurator to set, manage, and edit controller bindings.”
- “Gyro aiming– overhauled and improved experience for controllers with gyro, implemented Flickstick functionality in Steam Input.”
- “Virtual menus – added support to the desktop client.”
- “PlayStation Controller support – We worked with Sony to improve support for PS controllers including DualSense Edge, and can now automatically support future 3rd party licensed PlayStation gamepads.”
- “Xbox Controller support – We shipped a driver for Windows allowing us to better support Xbox One controllers, including the rear buttons on the Xbox Elite Controllers.”
A look at some of today’s more popular games via Steam UI:
Valve on Steam Input’s extensive controller support:
One of the benefits of Steam Input is that when it’s implemented in a game, players can use any one of over 300 supported controllers to play. We also recently added support for the new HORIPAD for Steam (available in Japan later this summer), and worked with HORI’s team to make their controller work well with Steam Input.