Xbox Remains The Controller Of Choice For Steam Users, Unsurprisingly

Xbox has always had the best controller fact!

Huh, 10% really isn't bad for the Steam Deck. Obviously far behind PS and Xbox controllers, but it has definitely made a noticeable impact. Nice to see that it has been successful, as while I'm not sure if it's really for me, it's definitely a very good product. Hope it continues to grow in popularity!

I wonder if this is specifically Xbox controllers, or any controller recognized as a "X-input". I'm sure Xbox is the dominant controller but any generic Xbox controller is recognized as an X-input controller by Steam.

My favourite and 'best' controller I have ever used is my Elite V2 Xbox controller and the controller I use across PC and Xbox gaming.

I do notice when streamers are using a Controller on steam as their button prompts are very different and I do notice far more with the Xbox prompts - which would make sense if more than double are using the Xbox over a Sony controller - although I do see quite a bit of 'love' for Sony's DS5 'Edge' controller in discussions.

Personally I prefer the Elite as I can easily change the height of thumbsticks as well as tension and Trigger Stops (great for FPS games, but not great if you like the adaptive trigger functions on Edge/DS5) as well as 4 paddles to assign in the most comfortable and robust controller so it's also my preferred choice on PC too...

Xbox controller is far superior to anything out there with its offset sticks. The Playstation controller is the very reason I do not, will not, own a Playstation. Their controller is not intuitive or comfortable. At all.

Yeah the Xbox controller is the best. Nintendos pro controller is second. I never liked PlayStation controllers. I heard their new ones are better. PS4 and before were garbage. Terrible charge, always ripped up the thumb sticks and always hit that middle button.

I still use official wired 360 controllers with my PC and have done for the past decade or so. They've never let me down and I've not ever had to replace one. A masterclass in design, comfort and durability.

I like the Series controller, very much so, but I'm happy to continue to use my 360 ones until they give up the ghost - which doesn't look to be any time soon.

@GuyinPA75 I'm a bit emotional now I actually agree with you for once ha 👍

I own a PS5, and the controller is... okay. I hate the noise that purposely comes out of the controller itself, and the haptic feedback is an unwanted distraction much of the time that I really disliked when I played Horizon Forbidden West.

For my Series X I use my Elite 2 controller, and as weird as it may sound, I have never once used the controller that came with the console itself, so I cannot pass any opinion on it. Indeed, it remains in the box to this very day.

For my gaming PC, I use my old Elite 1 controller (permanently wired in on a 10ft cable!).

There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Xbox does make the best controllers and consoles... 😉

@Ricky-Spanish Nothing wrong with agreeing. Xbox controller is superior. Even Nintendo Switch went with that design. To this day have no idea how I played Playstation one with that dreadful controller.

@GuyinPA75 Couldn't agree more the analog placement on the ps controller just feels wrong to me aswell and like you said Nintendo controller basically is an Xbox controller and the ps gets closer looking every new generation it just suits human hands optimal design

@Ricky-Spanish Absolutely. Once Playstation gets proper controller, I'll immediately buy a Playstation to play all their games.

Sad but true, the controller is only holding me back.

Another sad fun fact, after purchasing an Elite controller years ago, find it difficult to even go back to regular Xbox controller. Was very disappointed Microsoft not announced Elite 3 controller at recent show.

@GuyinPA75 They will probably bring one out along with the new console versions later this year with a bit of luck

Steam market is gigantic, so 10% of that on Steam Deck is massive. I don't know why some people say that the handheld PC market is tiny. It is not and Xbox will do well to release a native Xbox handheld.

Xbox controllers (and consoles) are the best, no doubt about it, but I really need to know when will the Sebile and the Elite Series 3 be released, basically because my Elite Series 2 broke and I'm using the Series X controller.

@Ricky-Spanish That means by the end of the year. I don't know, they haven't announced any new controller officially.

@Banjo- Maybe it's not that likely but if they were to release a new one this year I'd expect it with the new consoles dropping they are always dropping new controllers lately it wouldn't surprise me if they did

The offset design is the most comfortable and feels most 'natural' for playing games over a long period. The left Thumbstick is in the most optimum place and as you don't often take you thumb off to access the D-Pad its the most comfortable for extended play.

With the right Thumbstick, you are constantly required to press one of the buttons - A to jump, B to crouch or melee, Y to reload or swap weapons, X to interact for example and some games don't require the left thumbstick at all so it never feels uncomfortable over long periods.

I also think the Grip is very important. The old PS1-PS3 controllers were 'small' and the grip was not very bulbous and more pointy so I found it very uncomfortable. The angle of the triggers too felt off - maybe why most Shooters used the Shoulder buttons as 'aim/fire' instead with 'triggers' for grenades and stuns.

However, the DS4 was much better designed with more Bulbous grips that stopped your hands slipping off and much better trigger angle. That for me made the DS4 far more usable - especially in racing games. The DS5 is an extension of that but whilst it is far more comfortable/usable over the PS3 and earlier controllers, its still not as comfortable/usable for me as the Xbox controller...

@Ricky-Spanish Have you seen a decent, fair priced Xbox style Playstation controller? Over the years seen third parties make them. But cheaper ones are corded (I'll never, ever buy corded controller ever again). The cordless ones are stupid expensive. Seen $350-$400 a controller. That's basically price of a console. Not going do it.

Why haven’t they made controller for PlayStation ?

@Mustoe Your not wrong there, however even controllers is subjective imo as I genuinely prefer the PS5 stick placement, mainly because I have years of getting used to them. I use a XBOX pad on PC but thats mainly because its better supported being windows.

@Ilyn

Yes I guess you're right. For me the Xbox controller is top. Not that I dislike the PS5 controller, it's a huge leap in the history of PlayStation controllers. It's the first one that doesn't give me cramp with extended play. Just a pity the battery life isn't great. I think the PS5 console is far superior to the Series consoles though.

@Ilyn I saw above a complaint about the little speaker in it, but thats one of the bits I love. I find it so immersive when the radio chatter comes through the speaker rather than the TV.

@Ilyn

The speaker can be turned off and the sound switched to external speakers so I don't really know what the complaint about the speaker from anyone is about.

I must be the only person who can’t use this controller without hand pain. I’m stuck using the nearly identical Xbox one controller. But I wish I had more options.

@Ricky-Spanish @Banjo-
Totally agree, I find the offset thumb sticks, and rear shape of the triggers and overall holding position the best.
The only thing with the standard series controller is I like the thumb sticks to have more tension, so I have a white core controller and the tension on max and it is now perfect.

The only thing I miss compared to the PS5 dual sense is the speaker in the controller, when used well it is good in games.

The Xbox controller has been the pinnacle for gaming pads, in which many have tried to replicate its greatness unsuccessfully.