Valve’s upcoming Steam Controller is already drawing attention, but not entirely for the right reasons. While some gamers were willing to overlook its higher-than-expected price, early impressions suggest a major limitation: it won’t support Xbox Game Pass at launch.
Not the Game Pass-Friendly Controller Many Hoped For
The biggest issue comes down to how the controller functions. It relies heavily on Steam Input, meaning it’s essentially built to work inside Steam. That’s great for Steam users, but not so much for those who rely on Game Pass or other launchers.
Because of this dependency, features like its signature dual trackpads and advanced customization won’t function properly outside the Steam ecosystem. While it’s technically possible to add non-Steam games into the launcher, titles from the Xbox app often run into restrictions due to Windows/UWP permissions.
In short: even if you manage to launch a Game Pass game through Steam, the controller experience may still be inconsistent or broken.
Workarounds Exist—But They’re Not Ideal
There are a few potential fixes, but none are guaranteed at launch. Valve could improve compatibility by adding support for widely used input standards like XInput or DirectInput. Alternatively, Microsoft could loosen restrictions on how Game Pass titles interact with third-party tools, but that’s far less likely.
The new Steam Controller has a problem for PC Game Pass users, it has no built-in Windows drivers so you can only use it inside the Steam app.
Game Pass games installed through the Xbox app are locked down on Windows 11. Steam can’t see them or control them, so the controller… pic.twitter.com/bnWmfImcIC
— Pirat_Nation 🔴 (@Pirat_Nation) April 28, 2026
For now, gamers may need to rely on community-made tools or third-party software, similar to what happened with Valve’s previous controller.
Tough Competition at This Price
At $99 on Amazon, the Steam Controller is entering a highly competitive space. The standard Xbox Wireless Controller costs significantly less (currently $52.30 on Amazon) and works seamlessly across platforms, including Game Pass, Steam, emulators, and more.
That said, Valve’s controller still offers unique features. The dual trackpads make it especially appealing for couch gaming and mouse-like precision, something most traditional controllers can’t replicate. Some brands like GameSir are experimenting with advanced hardware too, but Valve’s approach remains distinct.
The Bigger Picture
The controller seems designed to complement Valve’s broader ecosystem, including SteamOS-powered devices and living room PC setups. But that same focus is also its biggest weakness, gamers outside the Steam bubble may find it difficult to justify.
Unless compatibility improves, the Steam Controller risks becoming a niche product rather than a universal PC gaming solution.
