How To Connect Two Controllers To Steam Deck For Local Multiplayer Fun

Gaming is rarely better than when shared—especially in the same room, on the same screen, with friends or family. The Steam Deck, Valve’s powerful handheld PC, supports local multiplayer out of the box, but unlocking that experience often means connecting a second controller. Whether you're diving into co-op campaigns, battling it out in retro platformers, or teaming up in RPGs, adding a second controller transforms your Steam Deck into a true portable party machine.

While the process may seem straightforward, there are nuances to pairing different types of controllers, ensuring low latency, and configuring games correctly. This guide walks through everything you need to know to get two controllers working flawlessly with your Steam Deck for couch-style fun—no extra console required.

Why Local Multiplayer Still Matters on Steam Deck

In an age dominated by online play, local multiplayer retains a unique charm. It fosters face-to-face interaction, reduces input lag perception, and eliminates dependency on internet stability. The Steam Deck, despite being a single-player device by default, can become a hub for split-screen or shared-screen experiences when paired with a second controller.

Games like Overcooked! 2, Stardew Valley, Castle Crashers, and It Takes Two support local co-op and run exceptionally well on the Steam Deck. With the right setup, you can enjoy these titles side-by-side with a friend using just one device—perfect for travel, small apartments, or impromptu game nights.

Tip: Always test controller input in-game before starting a session. Some titles require manual player assignment even if controllers are detected.

Supported Controllers and Compatibility Overview

The Steam Deck runs on Linux (SteamOS), which means not every controller works seamlessly. However, thanks to Valve’s commitment to open standards and widespread HID (Human Interface Device) support, most modern Bluetooth and USB controllers are compatible.

Here’s a breakdown of commonly used controllers and their compatibility status:

Controller	Connection Type	Native Support	Notes
Steam Controller	Bluetooth / USB	Yes	Legacy device; excellent integration but discontinued.
DualShock 4	Bluetooth	Yes	Works reliably; requires pairing via Bluetooth settings.
DualSense (PS5)	Bluetooth / USB	Yes	Full button mapping; haptics not functional in all games.
Xbox Wireless Controller (Series X|S)	Bluetooth / USB	Limited	Bluetooth pairing possible but inconsistent; USB recommended.
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller	Bluetooth	Yes	Reliable connection; ideal for precision platformers.
8BitDo Controllers	Bluetooth	Yes	Excellent compatibility; use firmware updates for best results.

Valve maintains robust input abstraction through its Steam Input system, allowing even non-standard controllers to function via remapping. This flexibility makes it easier to mix and match devices—for example, using a DualSense as Player 1 and a Switch Pro Controller as Player 2.

“Local multiplayer on handhelds reclaims the social heart of gaming. The Steam Deck’s openness allows players to recreate that living-room magic anywhere.” — Adrian Loya, Game Accessibility Researcher

Step-by-Step: Connecting Two Controllers to Your Steam Deck

Follow this sequence to ensure both controllers are recognized and functional within supported games.

1. Update SteamOS: Ensure your Steam Deck is running the latest version of SteamOS. Go to Settings > System > Check for Updates.
2. Enable Bluetooth (if needed): Swipe down from the top-right corner to access Quick Settings and turn on Bluetooth.
3. Prepare the First External Controller: Put your first controller into pairing mode. For example:
   • DualShock 4: Hold Share + PS Button until the light bar flashes.
   • DualSense: Hold Create + PS Button.
   • Switch Pro Controller: Press and hold the Sync button on the top edge.
4. Pair via Bluetooth: In Steam Deck Settings > Bluetooth, wait for the controller to appear, then select “Connect.”
5. Repeat for Second Controller: Once the first is connected, repeat steps 3–4 for the second controller. Steam Deck supports up to four Bluetooth controllers simultaneously.
6. Use USB for Stability (Optional): If experiencing lag or disconnects, connect one or both controllers via USB-C to USB-A adapter or direct USB-C cable (if supported).
7. Launch a Multiplayer Game: Open a title that supports local multiplayer. Navigate to the in-game multiplayer menu and verify both controllers respond.
8. Configure in Steam Input (If Needed): Right-click the game in your library > Properties > Controller > Enable for all controllers. Use Advanced Configuration to assign specific profiles.

Some games automatically detect multiple controllers and prompt for player join actions (e.g., pressing Start). Others may require navigating to a “Local Play” submenu. Always consult the game’s control settings to confirm input sources.

Tip: Rename your controllers in Bluetooth settings (e.g., \"Player 1 - DS4\", \"Player 2 - Pro\") to avoid confusion during pairing and troubleshooting.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues

Even with broad compatibility, some users encounter issues when pairing dual controllers. Here are frequent problems and proven fixes:

• Controller Not Detected: Ensure the device is in pairing mode and within range. Restart Bluetooth on the Steam Deck if necessary.
• Input Lag or Stuttering: Reduce wireless interference by turning off unused Bluetooth devices. Prefer wired connections for competitive or fast-paced games.
• Only One Controller Works: Some games limit local players regardless of hardware support. Confirm the game allows more than one player in offline mode.
• Button Mapping Errors: Use Steam Input to manually correct layouts. For instance, map Switch Pro buttons to Xbox-style schemes for broader compatibility.
• Battery Drain on Controllers: Disable rumble or motion controls in Steam Input settings to extend battery life during long sessions.

If a controller pairs but doesn’t register in-game, check whether the title uses raw input or relies on Steam’s abstraction layer. Games built with Unity or older engines sometimes bypass Steam Input, requiring native configuration.

Real-World Example: Hosting a Co-op Night on the Go

Sophia, a college student and avid gamer, wanted to bring her favorite co-op games to a weekend trip with friends. She packed her Steam Deck, a DualSense, and a Switch Pro Controller. At her friend’s dorm, she powered on the Deck, connected both controllers via Bluetooth (naming them clearly), and launched Overcooked! 2.

Initially, only her DualSense was recognized in-game. After checking Steam Input settings, she realized the game defaulted to keyboard-only input. She enabled Steam Input for the title, restarted it, and both controllers lit up—her friend pressed Start on the Pro Controller, joined as Player 2, and they began chopping vegetables in chaotic harmony.

The session lasted three hours with no disconnections. Using a USB hub, Sophia later added a third controller for a surprise three-player round of Enter the Gungeon. Her success came down to preparation: updating the OS, testing inputs beforehand, and understanding game-specific quirks.

Pro Tips for Optimal Multiplayer Experience

To maximize enjoyment and minimize technical hiccups, consider these advanced strategies:

• Stick to Wired for Competitive Play: Fighting games or rhythm titles benefit from zero-latency USB connections.
• Create Per-Game Profiles: Save separate Steam Input configurations for each multiplayer title to preserve preferred layouts.
• Carry a USB Hub: A compact USB-C hub allows multiple wired controllers without relying on Bluetooth bandwidth.
• Charge Controllers Beforehand: Nothing kills momentum like a dying battery mid-boss fight.
• Use Controller Sleeves or Labels: Distinguish between identical-looking controllers with colored tape or slipcovers.

“The Steam Deck wasn’t marketed as a multiplayer device, but its flexibility turns it into one. That’s the beauty of open platforms.” — Lin Zhang, Linux Gaming Advocate

Checklist: Ready for Dual Controller Setup?

Before inviting a friend to play, run through this checklist:

• ✅ SteamOS is updated to the latest stable version
• ✅ Both controllers are charged and functional
• ✅ Bluetooth is enabled on the Steam Deck
• ✅ Controllers are in pairing mode and successfully connected
• ✅ Target game supports local multiplayer (verify via store page or community forums)
• ✅ Steam Input is enabled for the game in Properties
• ✅ Screen brightness and audio output are adjusted for shared viewing

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use two different types of controllers at once?

Absolutely. The Steam Deck treats each controller as an independent input device. You can pair a DualShock 4 and an Xbox controller simultaneously, though button icons may default to one layout unless remapped via Steam Input.

Does connecting two controllers drain the battery faster?

Yes, especially when using Bluetooth. Each active wireless connection consumes power. Expect approximately 10–15% reduced battery life with two Bluetooth controllers. For longer sessions, consider using one wired controller to conserve energy.

Why does my game show only one player option even with two controllers connected?

This is a game-specific limitation. Some titles require enabling multiplayer mode manually in settings, or they only allow local co-op in certain modes (e.g., versus, not campaign). Always check community guides or the game’s Steam forum for known issues.

Conclusion: Unlock Shared Gaming Anywhere

Connecting two controllers to your Steam Deck opens a world of shared experiences, turning a personal device into a collaborative entertainment hub. With thoughtful preparation and an understanding of SteamOS’s input ecosystem, you can enjoy seamless local multiplayer wherever you go.

The process isn’t always plug-and-play, but the growing library of compatible games and Valve’s ongoing improvements make it more accessible than ever. Whether you’re reliving classic couch co-op or discovering new indie gems, the ability to share gameplay locally adds depth and joy to your gaming routine.

🚀 Ready to level up your Steam Deck experience? Grab a second controller, invite a friend, and start playing today. Share your favorite local multiplayer setups in the comments below!