Retro Dodo
  • Features
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Gear
  • Games
  • Collect
  • Guides
Retro Dodo
  • Features
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Gear
  • Games
  • Collect
  • Guides
  • Gear

7 Best Steam Deck Controllers Of 2023

  • February 3, 2023
  • Wesley Copeland
best steam deck controllers

The Steam Deck is a monster in every sense of the word. Brutish power meets a beastly screen in what is one of the best handhelds on the market.

But let’s be real here, its size is a bit of a loveable monstrosity. It’s a little bit heavy, and sometimes you just want to put it down and use a controller to play. Not all of us have Popeye arms. 

Whether you’re looking to make handheld mode a little more comfortable or want something for when the Deck is hooked up to a TV in docked mode, these are the best Steam Deck controllers you want to consider.

And yes, much like with the best Nintendo Switch controllers, these controllers have been checked and confirmed to work on the Steam Deck.

Just put the controller in pairing mode, head into the Steam Deck’s settings, and the controller will appear as a device under the Bluetooth tab. Connecting these babies is super simple. 

Table of Contents

  • 1. PS4 Controller
  • 2. Xbox Series X|S Controller
  • 3. PS5 Dualsense Controller
  • 4. GuliKit Kingkong Pro Controller
  • 5. 8BitDo Pro Controller 2 
  • 6. Wireless Mini Keyboard
  • 7. Giotek PS4 Controller
    • So why the GioTek PS4 controller over other budget options?

1. PS4 Controller

ps4 controller
VIEW ON AMAZON

The go-to for many Steam Deck owners is the original PS4 controller. It’s as close to perfection as you can get. The shape fits snug, the button-to-stick placement is top-notch, and that touchpad suddenly has a whole new lease of life. 

As you may know, Steam Deck games have varying levels of compatibility. For those that aren’t verified by Valve, you may need a way to invoke the mouse cursor to click on things.

Normally you’d need to hit the Steam button and the right stick, but this often results in a cursor that gives Sonic a run for his money. 

With the PS4 controller, the touchpad works as a mouse, making clicking and navigating normally non-compatible menus all the more easier. 

The sticks are perhaps too close – press right on the left stick and left on the right stick and your thumbs will meet – but it’s manageable. It’s also not ideal for those with larger hands due to the smaller design. 

Still, if you’re after one of the best Steam Deck controllers, you won’t go wrong with the original PS4 controller, it’s cheaper than a new PS5 controller too!

2. Xbox Series X|S Controller

xbox series x controller
VIEW ON AMAZON

What’s the difference between an Xbox and PlayStation controller? It all comes down to the games you play. There’s obviously personal preference and what you’re used to, but for me, I prefer different controllers for different genres. 

The matte finish and the extra grips on the back of the Xbox controller make it perfect for shooters, as do the longer thumbsticks. When you need to nudge your aim but a fraction, that’s when the extra length really shines. 

With PlayStation controllers, which feature shorter sticks, aiming isn’t quite as accurate when it comes to smaller movements.

While the PlayStation controller is better suited to RPGs and action games, the Xbox controller makes its case in games like Call of Duty and Fortnite. That and the Xbox controller’s play-and-charge kit battery eclipses the PlayStation controller’s battery life at up to 30 hours versus a less-than-ideal five to eight. 

3. PS5 Dualsense Controller

ps5 controller
VIEW ON AMAZON

The PS5 controller, the Dualsense, is a weird offering. Battery life is awful at five to eight hours and the D-pad isn’t great for fighting games. But despite these flaws, it’s one of the most comfortable controllers out there. 

Sony upped the size somewhat when designing the Dualsense and the extra surface area and weight really help to let it fit comfortably when held. 

Then there’s the trigger resistance, which offers up enough force to let the player know exactly how far down the trigger is. In driving games, that’s the difference between cruising at 10 MPH, 30 MPH, and accidentally flooring it. 

The Dualsense design also stops your thumbs from touching when you crank both sticks inward. A small design change for sure, but it’s one that’s greatly appreciated and makes gaming all the more smoother. 

Plus, thanks to the extra size, you’ve now got a larger trackpad to use as a mouse on the Steam Deck. What’s not to love? 

The only real downside here is the adaptive triggers often won’t work in non-Sony games. It’s trademarked tech so it does make sense, but it’s still a shame. 

4. GuliKit Kingkong Pro Controller

gulikit controller
VIEW ON AMAZON

You’ll be forgiven for thinking the GuliKit is an Xbox controller. While it definitely takes its cues from the Microsoft device, there’s a lot going on under the hood that’s worth getting excited about. 

For a start, the GuliKit features hall sensor technology. That’s essentially a fancy way of saying no matter what you throw at it, the sticks will never drift. Can’t say the same about the Dualsense now, can we? 

It turns out GuliKit was the first company to make use of the tech as well, so they’re definitely trendsetters in that regard. Nowadays every company from AYANEO to NYXI is using hall effect tech, simply because of how reliable it is. 

What’s more, the electromagnetic stick also means the controller won’t ever suffer from dead zones. If you’re into first-person shooters, this is a very compelling feature. 

Alongside the killer tech is another really cool function. If you’re a Minecraft player, strap in. Players can manually record button presses over a 10-minute period. Why would you want to do that? Imagine you’re mining for hundreds of blocks. With this setting, you can tell the controller to keep pressing the button inputs without you physically needing to press anything. 

That means you can literally teach the game to play itself without you there. How cool (and time-saving) is that?

5. 8BitDo Pro Controller 2 

8bitdo pro controller
VIEW ON AMAZON

The 8BitDo Pro Controller 2 is a must for those who plan to use their Steam Deck to play older, retro titles. 

The design here is a mix of old and new: Imagine a SNES controller that’s been dragged into the 21st century. That’s the main hook. 

The overall shape of the main grips garners comparisons with the PlayStation range of controllers, as does the stick placement and button layout. 

Something else that’s cool about this controller is the 1000mAh Li-on battery means it can run for up to 20 hours before needing to plug it in. That’s less than the Xbox controller, but nearly four times longer than the Dualsense. Not bad, eh? 

While the 8BitDo may not be the first choice for first-person shooters due to its more compact design, the button layout makes it a strong contender for those looking to play SNES, Genesis, or PS1 titles.

If you’re after an authentic-but-modern controller for retro gaming, the 8BitDo Pro Controller 2 comes easy to recommend. 

6. Wireless Mini Keyboard

VIEW ON AMAZON

Is a keyboard a controller? Normally no, but this is one device that has genuinely shocked me. 

This mass-produced mini keyboard, complete with RBG lighting, has made accessing keyboard functionality on the Steam Deck so much simpler. For controlling games, it ain’t it. But for navigating menus, and being able to actually enter text when you need to do, it works well at a price that’s wallet-friendly. 

At some point, there will come a time when you need a physical keyboard. The on-screen keyboard is great, but it’s limiting. Want to enter console commands on Skyrim?

You can’t without a keyboard. How about entering a 200-character string of code in Konsole to get some new Steam Deck apps? You could do it with the on-screen keyboard, but it’s going to take forever. 

Now, you could get a keyboard and hook it up to the Steam Deck, but if you’re on your couch chilling, a long keyboard isn’t exactly comfortable, is it? With this mini keyboard, you could keep it in your pocket if you wanted it’s that portable. 

Plus it comes with a dedicated dongle, so setting it up is as simple as plugging the dongle into your dock of choice and turning it on. That’s it!

7. Giotek PS4 Controller

giotek controller
VIEW ON AMAZON

Giotek isn’t the first name most think of when it comes to third-party controllers. But I’ll tell you something, my basic Giotek PS4 controller has been a life-saver on the Steam Deck. 

If you’re into dual-booting – I.e. Switching between SteamOS and Windows – having a second controller saves you a lot of bother. 

You see, if you sync a controller to SteamOS, you then need to resync it to Windows. Then you need to resync it back to SteamOS when you load that back up. Annoying, right? It’s just a constant circle of needing to resync controllers. 

The Giotek PS4 controller is a budget option, sure, but having a main controller for SteamOS and the Giotek for Windows really makes the dual experience less of a hassle. 

So why the GioTek PS4 controller over other budget options?

This one has a working touchpad. If you’re using Windows, you abso-freaking-lutely want a controller with a touchpad. Trust me, without one you’ll need to hook up a mouse, meaning you’ll be constantly tied to the Steam Deck via a cable. Not fun. 

Granted the buttons and overall feel aren’t as slick as Sony or Microsoft offerings, but they get the job done.

For those after a second controller for friends, family, or different operating systems, and one that won’t break the bank, you really can’t go wrong for the price. 


This article may contain affiliate links. If you use these links to purchase an item we may earn a commission. Thank you for your support.

Wesley Copeland
Wesley Copeland

Wesley Copeland is an expert retro gamer with an expansive knowledge of the handheld niche. He has tested hundreds of products and written for a wide number of popular gaming websites in the past, he is now helping the Retro Dodo community by offering his wisdom in written form!

You May Also Like
best magic the gathering accessories
View Post
  • Gear

12 Best Magic The Gathering Accessories Of 2023

  • March 27, 2023
  • Jason Brown
best mtg deck boxes
View Post
  • Gear

10 Best MTG Deck Boxes of 2023

  • March 2, 2023
  • Jason Brown
MTG Play Mats
View Post
  • Gear

5 Best Magic the Gathering Play Mats of 2023

  • February 28, 2023
  • Jason Brown
analogue pocket grip
View Post
  • Gear

A First Look At The Analogue Pocket Grip

  • February 23, 2023
  • Brandon Saltalamacchia
best yugioh trading card sleeves
View Post
  • Gear

6 Best Yu-Gi-Oh Card Sleeves of 2023

  • February 3, 2023
  • Jason Brown
View Post
  • Gear

10 Best Bakugan Toys Of 2023

  • January 1, 2023
  • Seb Santabarbara
best top loaders
View Post
  • Gear

7 Best Toploaders for Trading Cards in 2023

  • March 1, 2023
  • Jason Brown
View Post
  • Gear

8 Best Cloud Gaming Handhelds Of 2023

  • January 18, 2023
  • Anthony Wallace
  • ZX Spectrum Deluxe Collectors Box
    ZX Spectrum Deluxe Collectors Box Now Available For Pre-order
  • The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog
    Sonic The Hedgehog Is Officially Dead?
  • Powkiddy x55
    The Powkiddy x55 Came Out Of Nowhere
  • octopath traveler 2 review
    Octopath Traveler II Review
  • AYANEO Pocket Air Retro Edition
    Pocket Air Retro Edition Shown In AYANEO’s Surprise Livestream
retro dodo logo
RetroDodo is an online magazine dedicated to showcasing the world's best retro products. We're a team of passionate gamers and nostalgic hunters who want to create a modern, hip hub for all things retro gaming.
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Spotify
  • Facebook
  • TikTok
  • Mail
About Us
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Affiliate Disclosure
Contact
Owned by Click Hill Limited, Bartholomew Way, Corsham, SN130FR, United Kingdom. Company No: 13923009. All rights reserved. Copyright Click Hill Limited 2022.

Input your search keywords and press Enter.