SteamOS is finally getting Bluetooth and Xbox One Elite controller support

By Gabe Carey Published April 4, 2016

Back in November, Valve finally launched the long-awaited Steam Machines just in time for it — and to a greater degree its operating system — to be criticized by virtually anyone who’s ever touched a controller. Nonetheless, the show must go on and Valve is exhibiting mild appreciation for early adopters of SteamOS by implementing support for the $150 Xbox One Elite controller in addition to Bluetooth headsets and gamepads.

This comes in version 2.60 of the OS, which also bears security fixes for built-in Linux software. Moreover, it’s worth noting that although there’s finally support for the Xbox One Elite controller that arrived several months ago, it’s limited to a wired connection. So unless you’re using a monitor or sitting a few measly feet from the TV, this update doesn’t even help Elite controller owners.

Recommended Videos

If you opted for a Steam Machine in the hopes that you’d be able to use your controller just like you would on a console, you’re out of luck for the time being, as SteamOS still lacks support for the Xbox One wireless adapter, which has been compatible with Windows 10 since it released. The signature rear paddles on the Xbox One Elite controller are limited to ABXY button emulation.

Furthermore, if you’re running the latest beta entry of the Steam client for SteamOS, you’ll notice a new interface for connecting your Bluetooth devices listed under Settings > System > Bluetooth in Steam Big Picture mode.

While wireless support for Xbox One gamepads is a total bust, if you have, say, a DualShock 4 in your possession (or virtually any other Bluetooth-equipped controller), you’ll at least be able to use those wirelessly, thanks to this firmware update.

Unfortunately, even with the Bluetooth support, we’re now seeing on the Steam Machines, it’s only really compatible with newer “Bluetooth Smart” peripherals. Older, legacy devices may not work since many of them take advantage of outdated pairing methods like entering PIN codes onscreen, which SteamOS is incapable of carrying out.

Despite the notorious performance issues incited by SteamOS, as well as its bare-bones library of applications, it’s reassuring that Valve is at least standing behind its platform no matter how marginal the revision. Seriously, why Bluetooth support wasn’t there to begin with is beyond my comprehension.

Former Contributor

A freelancer for Digital Trends, Gabe Carey has been covering the intersection of video games and technology since he was 16…

Topics

Gaming

The best PS5 controller is finally getting an Xbox variant

A front-and-back image of Victrix's Xbox Pro BFG controller.

Victrix announced that an Xbox-compatible version of its Pro BFG controller will hit store shelves in 2024, giving owners of Microsoft's consoles the opportunity to use a version of one of the best third-party PlayStation 5 controllers.

The Victrix Pro BFG stands out from other third-party controllers due to its modular setup. Players can move around the sticks to be offset or level with each other, and it even features a Fight Pad module that makes playing fighting games like Street Fighter 6 a bit more comfortable. Victrix also plans to release new Hall Effect Stick Modules for both the PS5 and Xbox versions of the controller starting in February.

Gaming

All Xbox One games with mouse and keyboard support

The protagonist of Assassin's Creed: Valhalla shouting in battle and wielding two axes.

While the last-gen Xbox One isn't as powerful as the Xbox Series X, it's still a worthwhile console and has a huge library of great games.

If you're looking to stay competitive while playing online multiplayer games versus next-gen console and PC players or are just looking to avoid some wonky console interface that's difficult to navigate, you may want to try using a keyboard and mouse with your Xbox One. A keyboard and mouse will give you better precision than your standard Xbox One controller so you can keep up in cross-platform games without shelling out money for a top gaming PC.

Gaming

You can now customize your Xbox Elite Series 2 controller with Design Lab

A customized Xbox Elite Series 2 controller made in Design Lab.

Microsoft added the ability for people to design their own Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 in the Xbox Design Lab. Starting today, you can customize and order this kind of controller on Xbox Design Lab's website.
Customize Elite with Xbox Design Lab
Colloquially referred to as the Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller, this enhanced gamepad first released in 2019. Unlike the standard Xbox One or Xbox Series X controllers, the Elite Series 2 features adjustable-tension thumbsticks and shorter hair-trigger locks on the trigger buttons in addition to interchangeable thumbstick toppers, paddles, and d-pads. Meanwhile, the Xbox Design Lab first launched in 2016 and gives people a way to design and order Xbox controllers with customized colors and engravings.
While there was already a bit of customization with the Elite Series 2's buttons, players can now go to Xbox Design Lab and personalize the colors of the body, back case, d-pad, bumpers, triggers, thumbsticks, thumbstick base and ring, and buttons. You can even adjust the hue of the Xbox button on your controller with the Xbox Accessories App once it's in your hands. You can get the controller itself for just $150, but if you want all of the interchangeable accessories, the price jumps up to $210.
This announcement comes on the same day as the release date reveal for Sony's DualSense Edge, a customizable PS5 controller. It will cost $200 when it launches on January 26, 2023, though people will have to pay an extra $20 if they want to get replaceable stick modules. Whether you play on Xbox or PlayStation, you certainly don't have a lack of options when it comes to customizable controllers.