I have to say, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller has to be one of my favorite controllers to date. I love the layout, feel, weight, and it has USB-C. Honestly that last part is enough to make it my favorite controller, but it’s really got a fantastic layout that I love to use. Sadly, the controller is limited to use on the Switch, well, until today…
PC gamers are very familiar with using console controllers on their over-powered beasts. I’ve used a PS4 and Xbox One controller on my gaming PC multiple times but never did I think I’d get to use the Switch Pro Controller.
Well, now available to Steam beta users, you can use the Switch Pro Controllers natively inside of the gaming platforms supported titles. The majority of my gaming library is on Steam, so this is great news to me (and millions of other gamers who also use Steam.)
Simply go to the “controller settings” portion of the Steam app, and you can enable support for the Switch Pro Controller. Valve even enabled you to customize the button layout to more resemble an Xbox format if you’d like, or fully choose how you want it configured yourself.
You’ll just have to pair the controller with your PC via Bluetooth and link it to your Steam account through the client, and bam, you’re ready to go.
The Steam client features customizations that even let you calibrate the built-in gyroscope of the Switch Pro Controller for improved accuracy when playing certain PC games. This could give you that little bit of an edge you need to dominate in Fortnite or Call of Duty. Full controller customization is also available for those who want to dive in, and there are even community layouts available for those who want the “best” that everyone else uses without the work of setting it up yourself.
The Steam controller team went on record saying that they love the Switch Pro Controller and think it will go great with the Steam game library. Particularly of note is the d-pad, and I agree with them. The d-pad on the Switch Pro Controller is crisp and clean, unlike the mushy d-pad of PS4 or Xbox One controllers. This really could give you an edge in any game you play, and the gyroscope is an added bonus.
Now, this all is predicated on you actually owning a Switch Pro Controller. If you don’t already, you can always pick one up, though I’m not sure I would recommend it as a PC only controller. It’s great if you already own a Switch, but if not, then going with something like the Xbox One controller might be better for you since it’s native to Windows.
Do you use a controller when you game on PC or keyboard and mouse? Does it change with games? Let us know in the comments below or on social media!
Image Credit: Steam
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