Valve has announced that for the first time Sony’s DualShock 4 controller will be configurable through Steam. The upcoming Steam update allows for configuration of non-Steam controllers to use the Steam API.
The controllers will make the same API calls while the Steam API will take care of all the backend configuration. The end result is that the DualShock 4 controller is communicating directly with Steam, which should allow seamless integration.
The DualShock 4 has become a favorite for console gamers with its balanced feel and overall comfort and button placement, and it features similar built-in gyroscope and touchpad elements to the Steam Controller. Because of these similarities, integrating support for games with controller support should be fairly straightforward. Because native support for the controller on the PC is fairly weak, Steam should be able to communicate directly with the device with consistency and reliability. Previously, using the DualShock 4 on PC required third-party software or a Bluetooth dongle announced in August by Sony. However for PC use you would ideally want native PC drivers rather than additional software or dongles.
Fans of Microsoft’s’ Elite controller will have to wait a bit longer before they get the same support on Steam. Due to the multitude of functions that comes built in with the Elite controller, integration with Steam will require significant backend work to create the same integration. Future updates will add controller support for more complex inputs like the Elite controller.
This is fantastic for those who prefer using a controller for PC gaming however are not fans of Steam’s version or Xbox’s controllers. Steam is offering a more customized gaming experience with additional controller support. As of yet there is no specified date as to when the DualShock 4 support update would roll out but keep an eye out on Steam for the announcement.
