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Steam Controller On Ubuntu, A Tweak You Need To Do

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Since some people did get in an early order (not me, doh!), you will need to do a quick fix to get it to register properly.

I am unsure if this is needed for other distributions, but it needs it on Ubuntu currently:

Edit this file (example of my preferred way to edit):
sudo gedit /lib/udev/rules.d/99-steam-controller-perms.rules

And pop this in it:
Quote# This rule is needed for basic functionality of the controller in
# Steam and keyboard/mouse emulation
SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTRS{idVendor}=="28de", MODE="0666"

# This rule is necessary for gamepad emulation
KERNEL=="uinput", MODE="0660", GROUP="YOURUSERNAME", OPTIONS+="static_node=uinput"


I thought it would probably be worth sharing until it's fixed officially, and for my own peace of mind to know exactly how to sort it when I receive mine if it's not fixed officially by next months full release.

Taken from here.

I spoke to Alan Pope, one of the lovely Ubuntu people on twitter and he confirmed they are working on the issue officially. Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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About the author -
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I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly came back to check on the progress of Linux until Ubuntu appeared on the scene and it helped me to really love it. You can reach me easily by emailing GamingOnLinux directly. Find me on Mastodon.
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32 comments
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SuperTux Oct 16, 2015
Thank you.

I had to do something similar with my joysticks for X-Plane, which I think is still a weakness overall in the OS, understandably so though.

My set is due to arrive today :).
Keyrock Oct 16, 2015
Mine just arrived!



As a Xubuntu user, this guide will be useful. Thanks, Liam.

Edit: Sexy hardware pics!










Last edited by Keyrock on 16 October 2015 at 3:49 pm UTC
DissCent Oct 16, 2015
Mine didn't arrive because those "heroes" at GLS didn't want to give the package to my neighbors. Now I have to wait until Monday...
slaapliedje Oct 16, 2015
Mine (long with the Steam Link) is on the truck! Though I'm irritated that the initial estimated delivery date was on the 13th, it was at 'creating label' for a very long time...
Mountain Man Oct 16, 2015
Mine should arrive by the time I get home from work. Seeing lots of bad-mouthing on the Steam forums (what else is new?), but I get the impression most people have only played with it a few minutes which isn't really enough time to formulate a valid opinion.


Last edited by Mountain Man on 16 October 2015 at 4:21 pm UTC
linux_gamer Oct 16, 2015
Quoting: KeyrockMine just arrived!
You are late.

Some pics of mine:




BTW:Anyone photographed the "secret message" yet?
Keyrock Oct 16, 2015
I imagine there will be growing pains in the first few months, as with all new hardware. Heck, it's not even officially out yet. We're pioneers, trailblazers, intrepid explorers creating a path for future generations to follow, just like Lewis & Clark, Vasco de Gama, Ferdinand Magellan, and Zheng He.

Okay, that last part might be overblown a bit, just slightly, though. :P
slaapliedje Oct 16, 2015
Hmm, I'm wondering if they work out of the box on Debian, has anyone tested it? I use Stretch at the moment, but I'd think Valve would have added patches for Jessie.
linux_gamer Oct 16, 2015
Quoting: KeyrockWe're pioneers, trailblazers, intrepid explorers creating a path for future generations to follow, just like Lewis & Clark, Vasco de Gama, Ferdinand Magellan, and Zheng He.
Epic. But you forgot Zuse and Turing, Thompson & Ritchie. ^_^
Liam Dawe Oct 16, 2015
Quoting: KeyrockI imagine there will be growing pains in the first few months, as with all new hardware. Heck, it's not even officially out yet. We're pioneers, trailblazers, intrepid explorers creating a path for future generations to follow, just like Lewis & Clark, Vasco de Gama, Ferdinand Magellan, and Zheng He.

Okay, that last part might be overblown a bit, just slightly, though. :P

Yeah, you're all making sure I don't have things to rant about here when I get mine ;)
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