Steam has received an update that adds new features for Xbox Elite controllers, as well as other types of controllers. The new features include additional rebind functionality, extra options for the PS5 DualSense controller, and more.
What can you do with Xbox Elite controllers on Steam now?
First and foremost, this update adds what Steam is calling "extended Xbox controller support". If you've got an Xbox Elite controller (or a new Xbox Series X controller), you'll notice additional rebind options. You can now remap the Elite's controller paddles in your configurations, while the Series X controller's Share button is now a remappable key. Trigger rumble is now also supported via the Windows Gaming Input API. It's also now possible for you to connect more than 4 Xbox controllers to Steam, should you wish to. This will come in handy for local multiplayer games that support more than 4 players.
Steam Client Beta - January 5th https://t.co/VBYxlzUUWI
— Steam Database (@SteamDB) January 5, 2021
It's not just Xbox controllers getting some love in this update, however. The PS5's DualSense controller also now has some additional Steam functionality. Specifically, a new dropdown menu has been added for the PS5 controller personalization menu which allows you to disable the controller's LED. You can also enable it only when multiple controllers are hooked up, or enable it at all times. The default setting is for the LED only to come to life when multiple controllers are connected, so make sure to change that if you're not happy with that setting.
You can read the full patch notes - which also include a couple of extra devices and some installation instructions - right here. The Xbox Elite controller is currently the subject of some controversy; Microsoft is facing a lawsuit over controller drift. The Redmond tech giant recently asked a court to send the lawsuit to arbitration. In response to that lawsuit, Microsoft also recently extended the warranty on its Xbox Elite controllers from 90 days to a year. Here's hoping your Xbox Elite controller holds up better than it did for the plaintiffs in that lawsuit.
Are you going to be using your Xbox Elite controller with Steam? Let us know in the comments below!