The issue comes down to how the device interacts with your computer. Just like the original version, the new Steam Controller has no native Windows drivers. This means the hardware relies entirely on the Steam app to function properly. If you do not have the game running via Valve’s storefront app, your shiny new gamepad turns into a useless piece of plastic.
Gamers Nexus also reported this and there are a lot of other news outlets also covering this. It is kinda the same as with the steam deck where I noticed that the inputs just don’t work until steam is launched. I really don’t like that I have to have Steam running for this controller to work. I don’t know if it is a dealbreaker for me, yet, but it really put a damper on my enthusiasm about it
It’s at least available with the generic Linux driver. When Steam isn’t running you can switch between mouse/keyboard and gamepad mode by holding down the start button.
Ah, is it? I know that’s the case on Steam Deck, but it doesn’t seem to work on the old Steam Controller (just tried it) and I haven’t seen any confirmation by reviewers that the new controller has this function.
Have there been any linux specific reviews yet? I only saw the one from GN and they are new to linux and are focussing on windows still (main audience, so its understandable)
The ones I’ve read so far have been quite unspecific in regards to the OS they used. So statistically, they probably used Windows.
Of course I don’t know definitely if the new controller will work the same. But if I were Valve I would try to make it compatible with the existing Steam Deck controller driver since they are so similar.
Someone with energy could take a look at Valve’s kernel sources and look for changes in the controller area.