Steam has added improved functionality for Xbox Series X or Xbox Elite controllers in the latest beta update to the Steam Client.
Steam Updates Xbox Series X and Elite Controller Compatibility
In a Steam Community announcement, Steam has confirmed that the latest beta update to the Steam client adds several functions to the Steam Client.
Steam gears these new updates toward the Xbox Series X/S controller and the Xbox Elite controller. Both work with the Steam Client already, but this latest update improves the experience.
It is of note that the update includes the Series X and Elite controllers. Especially when you consider that Series X controllers are currently experiencing disconnection issues with consoles and the Elite controller is subject to a class action lawsuit.
What Do the Xbox Controller Updates Add to Steam?
First, the update adds support for more than four Xbox controllers. This means that you can connect to Steam with four or more friends in the same room and share simultaneous screen time. This is great for couch co-op games.
Second, if you have an Xbox Elite controller, then you can now bind the device's paddles in your controller configurations on Steam. This means you can assign different actions to the paddle buttons.
Third, you can now bind the Xbox Series X share button in your Steam controller configuration. Again, this means you can assign different actions to the button, should you wish to do so.
The last update for Xbox controllers is the ability to add trigger rumble. Do note, though, that this only works in games using Windows.Gaming.Input API.
Note that if you have already updated the Steam Client, then you may have to re-update it. Steam has updated...the update...as the Xbox controller driver was crashing.
Has the Latest Steam Client Update Added Anything Else?
Actually, yes it has. While most of the updates are Xbox-related, there are some other features added elsewhere, too.
Players who use the DualSense controller can now select whether to have their player slot LED illuminated at all times, only during multi-player games, or have it switched off altogether. Steam now features a drop-down menu to toggle this.
Additionally, Steam now supports the Wooting Two keyboard, along with the HOTA5 and the G15 (the latter two only working under certain configuration conditions).
Steam: A Great Way to Play
Steam is constantly being updated with excellent ways to improve the gameplay experience. However, it is more than just a gaming service.
Steam provides a safe marketplace to for gamers to buy and subsequently play their games, while developers can invite gamers to test their titles for them.
It is also an excellent community-driven platform and one that keeps on giving back to its loyal users with continually added value.