It was first mentioned at the Steam Dev Days conference, then it was patched into Steam’s beta branch. And as of this morning, Steam has delivered a most glorious present just before Christmas: full support for the DualShock 4 controller and all of its features.
A patch was released this morning to all clients, and updates various parts of Steam including the In-Home Streaming functionality, navigation when using the Oculus Touch controllers, Steam overlay support for those on the Windows 10 Insider program, an updated web control and better bandwidth options for 4K streaming.
But the bit that really matters is this:
- Added Steam Configurator support for PS4 Dual Shock Controller. Enable in Big Picture settings Add/Test Controller settings. When enabled, PS4 controllers will have access to the same sort of customization/configuration support as Steam Controllers, including native API support. PS4 Controllers using this system can map the trackpad, gyro, buttons, etc. to keyboard, mouse, or x-input outputs and can make use of action sets, touch menus, radial menus, and so forth.
- Added software gyro+accelerometer integration for IMUs without hardware integration. Allows Joystick-Move/D-Pad/Mouse Leaning support for the PS4 gyro input.
- Added New Mode – Joystick Mouse. This is a joystick based mouse control useful for stick based controllers.
- Added controller preference setting for haptics. Haptics can now be globally disabled for a controller or default to the configuration preferences.
- Added support for LED Color setting. Controllers which are capable of setting an LED color can now set this in controller personalization.
- Added LED Brightness/Color controller action binding. The light on the controller can now be changed via a binding. This is useful to mark changes in state such as different action sets or mode shifts, or on start/release press activators for changing while a button is pressed, for example. Light settings are reset to user preference when changing applications/configurations.
Once your Steam client is patched and ready to go, it means you’ll be able to start doing some real cool things with the DualShock 4 on PC. For one, as soon as Steam fires up you’ll be able to use the touchpad as a mouse (which kind of makes the need to buy the Steam controller a little redundant, although it’s far more precise than running a finger across the touchpad).
Other cool options: using the DS4’s gyro controls for racing games, which helps if you don’t have the money for a full racing wheel but don’t want your tyres to wear out too quickly, mucking about with the colour of the LED, being able to have all of the Steam controller’s customisations for the comfier DS4, and creating custom profiles for the controller that can be saved, uploaded and downloaded through your Steam account.
If you want to access those, however, you’ll need to go through the Big Picture mode. That’s a minor annoyance for the benefits, mind you, although most people will probably enjoy just being able to plug in their DualShock without having to muck around with third-party drivers.
Comments
10 responses to “Steam Now Officially Supports The DualShock 4”
This would have been really helpful the other day when I was sick in bed and just wanted to play Bastion on my Mac with a controller.
I’ve been using third-party drivers for ages, but they’re a little janky, so this is great news. I find it pretty weird they don’t allow you to access these options without going in to big picture mode first but…. whatever, not a big deal really.
Couple of questions:
I got a bluetooth dongle, Windows 10, and two PS4 controllers.
I just follow the Big Picture instructions and boom off I go? Will both be able to run off the one bluetooth adaptor?
Secondly, my PC and PS4 are hooked up to the same entertainment unit. Is there a way to temporarily stop the PS4 from reacting (turning on from standby mode/actually being OFF) when I use the controller on Steam?
I think so. When i used remote play with my MAC I had to pair it with it. If you hold the PlayStaion button and share button it puts it into pairing mode. Then it should connect
Yes, the BT device will be able to talk to up to 7 devices, it’s in the protocol. Can’t see any reason why Steam won’t.
You hold the PS and Option buttons together to put the PS4 controller into discoverable mode, (or just connect it by USB?). I did this the other day on a steam link the other day and the PS4 didn’t turn on.
Ooh, I will try that. Thanks.
Oh nice, want to try this! I have a Steam Controller but it feels way too big for my hands, so I don’t find it comfortable. Looking forward to giving this a go if it’s as customisable!
Does that mean that Steam games with Steam controller support, will now have the PS4 controller as an option instead ? I just have to configure?
Will Mass Effect series on Steam finally have real controller support ?
I’m guessing it depends entirely on the game itself, much like any other game on Steam. If it didn’t have controller support to begin with, Steam doesn’t magically change that. Seems like the PS4 controller just acts as a Steam Controller stand in.
Still haven’t tested though, curious to know how it goes.
Please Please Please add VR support for PSVR on Steam! The headset has already been reverse engineered and has open source USB/Linux drivers!