Valve has released a new update for the Steam beta client that significantly expands the hardware options for PC gamers. The main new feature is the inclusion of official and native support for Pro control of Nintendo Switch via USB connection. Essa measure eliminates the need for third-party software or complex configurations to use the popular gamepad on the platform, promising a more stable and integrated experience.
The initiative is part of the company’s ongoing effort to consolidate Steam as the most versatile ecosystem for gamers, regardless of their control preferences. By offering native compatibility, Valve ensures that features such as vibration and button mapping work optimally with the Steam Input API, improving gameplay across thousands of titles available on the digital storefront.

To access the functionality, users must opt-in to the beta version of the Steam client. The process is reversible and can be done directly from the platform settings, allowing players to test new features before they are released to the general public.
The update represents an important step for the community that moves between console and computer games, providing greater convenience and performance. The expectation is that, after the testing period, the feature will be implemented in the stable version of the client, benefiting millions of users globally.
| 注意 | 説明 |
|---|---|
| 低遅延 | USB接続により即時応答が保証されます |
| 簡単なセットアップ | Steamでの自動検出 |
| 耐久性 | 長期使用に耐える堅牢な構造 |
| 多用途性 | 複数のゲームジャンルに対応 |
New compatibility details
Integrating the Pro control from the Nintendo Switch via USB is designed to be a “plug and play” process. Once the user has the Steam beta client active, simply connect the control to the computer using a USB-C cable for it to be automatically recognized by the platform.
With native recognition, players now have full access to Steam Input. Essa powerful tool allows for deep customization of controls, including reconfiguring any button, creating specific profiles for each game, and sharing these settings with the community.
Advantages of wired connection
Although the Pro controller of the Switch could already be connected to the PC via the Bluetooth, the introduction of official USB support brings clear benefits. The wired connection eliminates input latency, a critical factor in competitive games that require fast and accurate responses.
Another relevant point is stability. Conexões wireless devices are subject to interference that can cause momentary disconnections, something that is completely avoided with the use of a cable. Além Furthermore, the USB connection powers the controller directly, eliminating the need to worry about the battery level during long gaming sessions.
Signal quality is consistent, ensuring all commands are instantly registered by the system. Isso not only improves performance in action games, but also immersion in titles that rely on precise commands for exploration or puzzle solving.
This implementation also ensures that future firmware updates for the controller can be applied more securely, keeping the device always optimized for use on both the console and PC.
Valve’s historic commitment to diversity of controls
The decision to add support for the Pro control from Switch is not an isolated case, but rather the continuation of a long strategy by Valve to embrace different types of hardware. The Steam platform is known for its robust compatibility with a wide range of gamepads, from the Xbox controllers, which are natively compatible with the Steam. Essa inclusive approach positions the platform as a central hub for gamers, who can use their favorite controller without technical barriers, strengthening the PC gaming ecosystem as a whole and offering flexibility not found in the closed environments of consoles.
How the change impacts the gaming community
For players who own an Nintendo Switch and also play on PC, the update drastically simplifies the experience. The possibility of using a single high-quality control on both platforms without complications represents a saving of time and money.
The measure also benefits developers, who can design their games with the certainty that a greater number of controls will be compatible in a standardized way through Steam Input, reducing the work of implementing support for each device individually.
A strategic move for the future
The inclusion of support for the Pro control of Switch can be interpreted as a strategic move by Valve. With rumors about the Nintendo Switch’s successor gaining momentum, ensuring compatibility with the Nintendo’s current hardware sets the stage for a smooth transition when the new console launches.
By anticipating, Valve ensures that its platform will be ready to receive players who purchase the future Nintendo console, keeping Steam relevant and functional. Essa proactivity demonstrates the company’s long-term vision of maintaining interoperability between different gaming ecosystems.
Enabling the feature in the beta client
To try out the new functionality, interested parties must access the Steam settings menu. Dentro from the “Account” section, there is a “Beta Participation” option where you can select “Steam Beta Update” from the drop-down menu and restart the client to apply the change.