The Steam Controller has simply obtained native assist for the Easy DirectMedia Layer (SDL) in its newest replace. SDL is a cross-platform, low-level {hardware} abstraction library that gives video games, emulators, and apps direct entry to {hardware} options, reminiscent of touchpads, grip sense, and extra, that had been beforehand unusable exterior of Steam.
Non-Steam video games could not entry the Steam Controller’s superior inputs, however it will now change with native SDL assist. Extra on the story under.
Learn extra: Steam Controller’s trackpad and charging points are mounted with an replace
Valve’s Steam Controller is now absolutely supported for non-Steam video games
Valve’s Steam Controller is without doubt one of the most unusual controllers available on the market. It options gyro and touchpad enter controls alongside common controller structure, offering a flexible gaming expertise that no different controllers can at the moment supply. As such, it obtained rave opinions, nevertheless it had a possible flaw.
Many of the Steam Controller’s distinctive enter controls, such because the touchpads, capacitive stick contact, grip sense, button mapping, and another miscellaneous issues, had been restricted to video games operating on Steam.
Video games put in from different storefronts beforehand couldn’t entry these superior enter controls. Nevertheless, it will change now. The brand new Steam Controller has gained native assist for the Easy DirectMedia Layer (SDL). It is a cross-platform, low-level {hardware} abstraction layer, designed to offer video games, emulators, and different apps direct entry to the controller’s {hardware} options.
Subsequently, video games from different storefronts, reminiscent of Epic Video games Retailer or GOG, may have higher assist for the Steam Controller. Nevertheless, it will not profit present non-Steam video games as of but. That is as a result of SDL added assist for the brand new Valve controller in its newest growth construct, as seen on GitHub.
Primarily, solely video games that ship with the newest model of SDL will supply full Steam Controller assist out of the field with out requiring Steam to run within the background.
That stated, builders of present video games can add full assist for Valve’s new controller by updating their video games to the newest SDL library, however that not often occurs. Subsequently, the Steam Controller gaining native Easy DirectMedia Layer (SDL) assist will primarily profit future video games and never present ones.
Learn extra: Steam Machine and Steam Body Verified badge defined at GDC 2026
Edited by Suraj Bhowal