I have an Xbox One Elite controller and Windows 10. Everything works except the right stick does not move the camera. I have used the Windows Controller utility to confirm that Windows is receiving the input.
As of the 21/3/18* steam link update, the switch pro controller now appears to work with steam link properly. I knew before you could connect it but the left stick wouldn't have full motion, it appears that is now fixed since this update. How to use Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers for Windows 10 PC gaming. Run the joycon-driver.exe in the Github download. They're not as good as the Xbox One gamepad, mind you.
Not sure if it's related, but I've also noticed in Windows 10 that the left stick scrolls regular windows. Maybe Windows is getting in the way?
I've tried in both Big Picture and launching it regularly.
3 Answers
Solution: Uncheck 'Xbox Configuration Support' in the Controller Config menu in Steam.
Recently Steam announced Controller Config support, similar to the Steam Controller profiles, for Xbox controllers. When this announcement happened, I started playing around with the settings. I set this:
I forgot about it. But that was the problem. I just disabled it and everything is fine again.
To directly answer - Windows is part of the problem but not the entirety of the problem. Steam isn't really addressing the issue on their end, either. The general fix for it is updating the drivers for the controller manually and making sure you correctly choose which controller is present.
I would suggest trying a fresh device install by deleting the drivers, rebooting to save the registry without the device, and then installing the device and drivers from the method below. Windows Registry can be a strange thing sometimes...
The official method to check and update drivers for the XBOX Controllers and Windows 10 is described here as:
On Windows 10, update your controller by using the Xbox Accessories app:
- Get the app from the Windows 10 Store by searching for 'Xbox Accessories.'
- Launch the Xbox Accessories app.
- Connect your Xbox One Wireless Controller by using a USB cable or the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows. Note: You'll be prompted to update to Windows 10 Anniversary Edition if you haven't yet done so.
- When the controller is connected, you'll see the message “Update Required” if an update is mandatory.
- Install the update.Note You can also go to Device Info to check for updates.
Notes
- The Xbox Accessories app is available only on Windows 10.
- Controllers that don't have a built-in 3.5-mm audio port must be updated using a USB connection and must have the Windows 10 TH2
Update (or later). - Updating the controller over Bluetooth is not supported.
- Bluetooth requires PCs running the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. See Windows Update: FAQ to learn how to get the latest Windows update.
If that doesn't seem like much an option for you, a Reddior on Windows 10 Reddit suggests:
I got mine to work by doing the following:
- Open Device Manager
- Right Click 'Xbox One Controller'
- Select Update Driver Software
- Browse
- Let me pick
- 'Microsoft Xbox One Controller'
The 'Xbox One Controller' driver doesn't work, but the 'Microsoft Xbox One Controller' does.
TL;DR (where and how about the issue)
Ars Technica contributor Sam Machkovech posted an update on August 10, 2016 that states:
...a Microsoft representative confirmed that the Xbox engineering team was working on issues with controllers' 'exclusive' modes, controller connectivity with certain games, and Steam Big Picture mode seeing two controllers where there should be only one. No timeline was given for fixes on those issues. The Microsoft rep also insisted that two of the new-hardware Xbox One gamepads should be able to connect simultaneously to a single Windows 10 PC via Bluetooth, so long as both controllers have their firmware updated. The company's support site still lists a one-pad limit when connecting via Bluetooth. We are awaiting a response about that discrepancy.
However, there are a number of complaints and questions regarding similar issues that still exist on the Microsoft XBox forum regarding controllers on Steam with no marked solutions as of yet. This is usually pointed to a SafeFileHandle issue on connected devices after Anniversary Update issue in Windows:
As of update 1607, kernel32.dll CreateFile() using only the flags GENERIC_READ and GENERIC_WRITE and 0 for dwShareMode no longer allow exclusive (non shared) access to devices needed in some circumstances. An example of a device that is not allowing exclusive access any more is the Sony Dualshock 4 Game controller. Any attempt to connect sets the IsInvalid field for the returned SafeFileHandle.
Windows Update 3176938, released August 31, addressed most of that problem (sloppily). There's a shared responsibility with Microsoft at the foundation but platforms like Steam aren't doing much to push for a solution or change how they handle aspects of input and software developers aren't going back and accounting for evolving hardware.
With regard to Steam, the most updated drivers and patches for games which may address title specific issues are not always present.
To that note you'll want to visit the developer / publisher website of the games you're playing and check to see if newer patches exist which may solve the issue in specific titles while you wait for the general issue to be resolved.
Namco Bandi has a few upset customers over their dismissive approach to the Elite controllers functioning in an unexpected manner while SquareEnix has some upset customers using this controller but over a different functional problem. Other developers have been more proactive in the issue but generally the low install base drives overlooking solvency ('low hanging fruit' and all that).
Steam Link Switch To Modern Xbox Controller Driver
I can confirm that turning off Xbox configuration support in big picture mode on Steam is the fix for this problem. I just turned it on last night and forgot about it, then today could not use my right stick at all in games. I came here and remembered I had just done this last night but had not disconnected and reconnected my controller until this morning, switched the settings back to unchecking Xbox controller support and everything works fine again.
protected by Community♦May 11 '17 at 0:55
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The Nintendo Switch Pro controller was not designed to be used on PC, but that doesn't mean it can't be. It's still a comfortable, well-made controller, so it's a valid contender for your next PC gamepad or a useful backup controller for your next Gang Beasts couch session. Luckily, a recent Steam beta update added native Pro controller support, making it much easier to set up. You don't have to connect via Bluetooth anymore, for starters, and you can better customize your buttons and even your gyro options. It's not quite as good as the DualShock 4, but it's still among the best PC controllers in 2019.
Here's how to get your Nintendo Switch Pro controller working in Steam. You'll need a Nintendo Switch Pro controller (obviously) and a USB-C cable.
Steam installation guide
1. Enable the Steam client beta. At the time of writing, Switch Pro support is only available in the beta client. If you're not using the beta, open your Steam settings, go to the Account page, and click Change under Beta Participation. Select the Steam Beta Update from the dropdown, click OK, and Steam will automatically update to the beta branch. Now we can connect our controller!
2. Close Steam if you already have it open, then plug in your controller. Re-open Steam and open your Steam settings. Find the Controller tab and open General Controller Settings. You should see a few configuration support options on the left. Naturally, we want to enable Switch Pro Configuration Support.
If you like your Pro controller with flip-flopped X/Y and A/B buttons, you can also enable the Nintendo button layout so games default to it. If this option is not enabled, your Pro controller will be treated like an Xbox controller. You can also change your controls game-by-game by right-clicking that game in your library, selecting Edit Steam Controller Configuration, and remapping each button.
3. While you're here, take the time to personalize your Switch controller by selecting it under Detected Controllers. If your controller isn't registering properly, start by clicking Identify, then open the controller's preferences. You can change the name, the brightness of the home button's light ring, and whether to use the gyro motion sensor.
From the controller settings page, you can also calibrate your controller's gyro sensor and joysticks by clicking Calibrate, but you should only calibrate your controller if you run into latency issues. If it ain't broke, don't fix it: if you calibrate before trying your controller in-game, you may actually create a latency problem. If you ever feel the need to calibrate your controller, click Calibrate, set it on a flat surface, and follow the button prompts.
So, if everything feels right, just save your profile and voila, you're ready to go. Whenever you want to use your controller, be sure to plug it in before opening Steam or any Steam games to prevent any connection issues.
For non-Steam games
That's the easy way. If you aren't playing games via Steam, using a Switch Pro controller is still an option but it requires a little extra work. Because it's a DirectInput gamepad, you have to connect it via Bluetooth, and you can't charge it while you're using it. That being said, here's the best way to get your Nintendo Switch Pro controller working on PC using an open source tool called x360ce.
What you need
Hardware
- Nintendo Switch Pro controller
- Bluetooth dongle
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Software
Installation guide
1. The most important step: connect your Pro controller to your PC via Bluetooth. You cannot connect it via USB cable for this method, and you cannot charge it while it's connected, so make sure its battery is topped off before you start.
Note: If you absolutely insist on a wired connection, there is a prototype of a tool to connect via USB, but it's so complicated that we recommend going with Bluetooth.
First, disconnect it from your Switch by holding the small circular button on the top of the controller to the left of the USB-C port. (If your Switch is in the same room as your PC, I recommend turning it off, just to keep your Bluetooth environment clear. We also don't want it to know we're two-timin' it. You can easily reconnect your Pro controller to your Switch via cable.)
Pull up your Bluetooth settings and start a search for new devices, then press the same small button on the top of your controller one more time. It should automatically pair after 30 seconds to a minute. Note: the lights on the bottom of the controller will keep flashing even after it's paired.
2. Download both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of x360ce and save their .zip files to a fresh folder. I'm running a 64-bit system, and you probably are too, but some games require the 32-bit version, so get them both now to save time later. Thankfully, x360ce will tell you which version you need.
How To Steam Link Switch To Modern Xbox Controller Driver Download
3. You have to install x360ce individually for every new game, and this process can vary slightly between games. Luckily, the first step is always the same: find your game's executable (or application) file. You'll find it in the game's local files—sometimes it's buried in a folder, sometimes it's right up front.
For Steam games, right-click a game in your library, click Properties, select Local Files, and click Browse Local Files. For non-Steam games, start your search in the x86 folder on your main drive, and godspeed.
4. Once you've found the correct folder, copy and paste the x360ce .zip file into it. Now extract its contents. This will give you an application file with a little controller icon. Open it. If you need the 32-bit version of x360ce, a prompt will tell you at this time. Otherwise, you'll get a prompt saying you need to create a .dll file. Click Create.
5. After you create your base .dll file, another prompt will ask you to search for controller settings. Click Search automatically for settings and make sure the Search the Internet box is checked. This will pull a button layout for your Switch Pro controller to use, and lucky for us, the default layout is perfect for most games. Click Next and then Finish.
6. Test the buttons and analogue sticks on your controller. If everything went according to plan, they should line up with the virtual Xbox 360 controller displayed in x360ce. If everything looks good, click Save, and close x360ce. It will kick on in the background once you start your game. If your controller still isn't registering, try deleting the default .dll in your game's local files (steam_api.dll), but be sure to save a copy first.
7. You have to repeat these steps for every game you want to play with your Switch Pro controller. So, to reiterate: find local files, paste the x360ce .zip, extract and run, create and save a profile, then save and close x360ce before opening your game.
Using your Switch Pro controller
x360ce works by reading DirectInput commands as XInput commands, which is what most modern games support. Now that it's installed, your Switch Pro controller should behave like an Xbox 360 controller in most games. However, some games flat-out will not work with DirectInput gamepads. The Witcher 3, for example, cannot be played with a Switch Pro controller using this method. With any luck, some whiz will work out a workaround for that in the coming months.
Compared to other controllers, I had to remap my in-game buttons more frequently while using a Switch Pro controller. My x360ce layout was correct, but the game wasn't registering it correctly. However, after remapping the gamepad controls in the in-game settings, it worked perfectly for every game I tried, including Steam games with partial controller support. So if your buttons feel off, try an in-game fix first.
You shouldn't need to remap any buttons in x360ce, but if you do need or want to, simply click the drop-down menu on the button you want to remap, click Record, and press the desired button on your controller. Be sure to save your profile after making any changes.
How to connect your Switch Pro controller via Bluetooth
If you followed the Bluetooth installation steps above, you should be able to use your controller wirelessly. You may have to re-pair your controller each time depending on what Bluetooth dongle you're using and your Bluetooth settings.
How To Steam Link Switch To Modern Xbox Controller Driver Windows 10
WiinUPro and WiinUSoft are also longstanding favorites for using Bluetooth to play Nintendo controllers on PC, and they added Switch Pro controller support last year. However, to use a Switch Pro controller with these programs you have to jump through several more Bluetooth hoops. x360ce is a simpler alternative which can also be used with other DirectInput gamepads. For now, we think it's the best way to use your Switch Pro controller on PC.
How To Steam Link Switch To Modern Xbox Controller Driver Pc
Not a controller person? Here's a round-up of the best gaming keyboards, and best gaming mouse.