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Valve expand Steam Input to support more of the PS5 DualSense Controller

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Valve sent over a press announcement to highlight that the Steam Input API has expanded its support of the brand new PS5 DualSense Controller.

This has been ongoing work since earlier in November, with multiple Steam Client Beta updates expanding the Steam Input API. Starting off initially with just supporting basic input. However, across other Beta updates on November 18 / 19 and 20 they've now added in support for: 

  • LED
  • Trackpad
  • Rumble + Rumble over Bluetooth
  • Gyro functionality
  • Allowing external audio based haptics while rumble is enabled

With all this hooked up, Valve say that now all games that support the Steam Input API "are now fully compatible with the new PS5 controller - with no developer updates required, it just works".

You still need to be opted into the Steam Beta Client, with full support rolling out for the PS5 DualSense Controller into the stable client after further testing has been done.

As for how it works on Linux, you're going to need some updated udev rules to work fully. Valve contractor Timothee Besset mentioned on Twitter they've put out an update to the Steam Installer, and you can also find the full udev rules on Valve's steam-devices GitHub.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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Cyril Nov 21, 2020
How about its support outside Steam?
psppwner300 Nov 21, 2020
Anybody actually have a DualSense to test this with? I've updated my udev rules for this and none of the extra features are working.
1xok Nov 21, 2020
Quoting: subReally happy with mine.
Was hoping they'll come up with a new version after stopping production.

Mine has starting problems after four years when I want to use it wireless with the USB dongle or via Bluetooth. It simply switches off again immediately. Sometimes it stays on and then works as usual. Most of the time it works when I connect it for a minute with a cable.

I have another one in reserve, but it is my last one. My muscle memory for many games is tied to the controller. This is also true for one of my favorite games: Hollow Knight.

It feels bad that it is no longer officially for sale. I could retrain myself. But the other controllers are kind of boring. I'm not a friend of force feedback either (except for steering wheels). For me this is just a gimmick. It is quite cool in the beginning but you get tired of it very quickly. Most of the time I turned it off. And without FF, Sony's new controller doesn't really bring anything new.


Last edited by 1xok on 21 November 2020 at 9:03 pm UTC
sub Nov 21, 2020
Quoting: 1xok
Quoting: subReally happy with mine.
Was hoping they'll come up with a new version after stopping production.

Mine has starting problems after four years when I want to use it wireless with the USB dongle or via Bluetooth. It simply switches off again immediately. Sometimes it stays on and then works as usual. Most of the time it works when I connect it for a minute with a cable.

I have another one in reserve, but it is my last one. My muscle memory for many games is tied to the controller. This is also true for one of my favorite games: Hollow Knight.

It feels bad that it is no longer officially for sale. I could retrain myself. But the other controllers are kind of boring. I'm not a friend of force feedback either (except for steering wheels). For me this is just a gimmick. It is quite cool in the beginning but you get tired of it very quickly. Most of the time I turned it off. And without FF, Sony's new controller doesn't really bring anything new.

Doesn't happen with mine.

You mean your controller is broken?
Tried to clean it?
Maybe the power button sometimes shortens?
M@GOid Nov 21, 2020
Quoting: 1xok
Quoting: subReally happy with mine.
Was hoping they'll come up with a new version after stopping production.

Mine has starting problems after four years when I want to use it wireless with the USB dongle or via Bluetooth. It simply switches off again immediately. Sometimes it stays on and then works as usual. Most of the time it works when I connect it for a minute with a cable.

I have another one in reserve, but it is my last one. My muscle memory for many games is tied to the controller. This is also true for one of my favorite games: Hollow Knight.

It feels bad that it is no longer officially for sale. I could retrain myself. But the other controllers are kind of boring. I'm not a friend of force feedback either (except for steering wheels). For me this is just a gimmick. It is quite cool in the beginning but you get tired of it very quickly. Most of the time I turned it off. And without FF, Sony's new controller doesn't really bring anything new.

Take a look at the batteries contacts. What you describe looks like it isn't receiving energy from the batteries. If you cannot disassembly it for a thorough cleaning, try contact cleaning spray, or isopropyl alcohol to clean the contacts with q-tips.


Last edited by M@GOid on 21 November 2020 at 11:58 pm UTC
einherjar Nov 22, 2020
Is there a chance that it runs with the steam link?
Or is that independent from that?
denyasis Nov 22, 2020
Quoting: M@GOid
Quoting: denyasisI'm sure I'm in the minority here, but that is one ugly looking controller.

You and me brother. But don't dismiss it by the looks alone, first reviews are very positive towards it.

I have heard Sony's controllers are pretty good, as are Microsoft's. Even better that we can get them to work on Linux.
Mar2ck Nov 22, 2020
Quoting: CyrilHow about its support outside Steam?
It comes up as a /dev/js* controller and all the buttons work as you'd expect. No gyro or touchpad though https://boilingsteam.com/dualsense-controller-on-linux-works-good-with-some-limitations/
Craggles086 Nov 22, 2020
Quoting: subBtw, any recent rumours about a Steam Controller 2?

Just the Patent for what looked a new Controller they posted before they dropped support for the first steam controller. I thought there were reports of them canceling after the patent.

there is this..

https://www.techradar.com/au/news/valve-patent-hints-at-a-new-steam-controller

https://www.pcgamesn.com/steam-controller-2

But have not heard any comment from any Valve employees. They are oddly silent on the subject. Which if they were Apple would be a clue in itself.

But no one from Valve has said that it is cancelled so still hope.

I posted a RIP article on Linux Gamers group on facebook about the 25th of September
Someone said something that gave me hope that work was still being done but will see.

Would love a Steam Controller 2.
nattydread Nov 23, 2020
I was lucky and managed to get a PS5 on the launch day in the UK.
The dual sense controller is definitely the best one I've ever used.
The directional vibration is amazing.
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