The Steam Deck might be a handheld gaming console, but if you prefer to dock your Steam Deck to a monitor or TV, or just prop your Steam Deck on your table, we're happy to say that it supports an external controller. After all, playing on a big screen not only makes your games look better but can be less stressful for your eyes.
Of course, you'll need to pair that controller via Bluetooth or connect it to your Steam Deck or the dock that it's connected to via USB-C. It's a really great way to accessorize your Steam Deck, too, just like buying a microSD card for extra storage. From the official Xbox controller to the PlayStation 5 controller, and other cheaper third-party options, we have you covered a look at the best Steam Deck controllers you can buy.
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Xbox Wireless Controller
Editor's Choice -
PDP Wired Game Controller
Great wired controller
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Amazon Luna Controller
For cloud gaming fans
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Editor's Choice
Xbox Wireless Controller
The Xbox Wireless Controller shares the same button layout as the Steam Deck, making it the perfect external controller to use natively via Bluetooth. It also comes in multiple colors and is quite comfortable.
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Premium Pick
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is a more expensive controller, but it's great for pro gamers. The controller has a rubberized grip and has extra paddles on the back. Not to forget it uses a rechargeable battery.
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Great wired controller
PDP Wired Game Controller
The PDP Wired Game Controller is an excellent wired controller for the Steam Deck. It's officially licensed by Microsoft, and has the same layout as the Steam Deck's native controller, along with rumble controls.
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For PlayStation fans
Sony PlayStation DualSense Controller
Though you'll need software on your Steam Deck to tweak the buttons and use this controller in most games, the DualSense Controller still can work great with the Steam Deck. Some gamers might prefer its layout over the Xbox Controller.
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For Nintendo fans
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a great controller to use with the Steam Deck if you're emulating and playing older Nintendo games. It has the classic Nintendo layout and is really great to hold in the hands.
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For cloud gaming fans
Amazon Luna Controller
The Amazon Luna Controller is great for those familiar with the company's cloud gaming service, since it works over Wi-Fi, as well as Bluetooth or USB. It has the same layout as the Xbox Controller but is much heftier, with purple accents.
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Best retro controller
8Bitdo Pro 2
If you need a compact but retro-like controller for your Steam Deck, look no further than the 8Bitdo Pro 2. It packs in an ergonomic design, and responsive buttons, and works across different platforms. It has a classic layout, too.
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Best compact controller
8BitDo Ultimate Wireless 2.4g Controller
8Bitdo makes some popular retro-styled controllers, and that's the case with the Steam Deck. This option comes with a multifunctional charging dock along with two back paddle buttons, custom profile switch buttons, and rumble support. Battery life is rated at 15 hours.
Recapping the best Steam Deck controllers in 2023
There you have it! Those are the best Steam Deck controllers we can find in 2023. Since it shares the same A/B/X/Y button layout as the Steam Deck, we highly suggest you buy the Microsoft Xbox Core Controller. If your budget is bigger, there's also the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, which has extra buttons that you can customize to make gaming even easier. Then, if you need a wired controller, consider the PDP Wired Controller for its rumble support and comfortable.
Beyond those basics, there are lots of other options, too. Again, keep in mind that similar to other handhelds like the Logitech G Cloud, you'll have to pair these controllers wirelessly via Bluetooth on the Steam Deck by pressing the Steam button, choosing Settings, then Bluetooth, and then toggling it on. You can then press the pairing button on the controllers to get right into the action.