Steam is a digital distribution platform developed by Valve Corporation, which offers digital rights management (DRM), multiplayer gaming, and social networking services. (Photo : YouTube/ Valve)
Steam has released a new client beta that will add native support for both Xbox 360 and Xbox One controllers for all Steam games. It also enables support for generic X-input gamepads. It will also allow players to use the Steam Controller Configurator to alter their controller setup in any way desired.
Several games available on Steam already have controller support but only on a game to game basis. This is particularly for games built specifically for PC, such as "Civilization 6," which rely heavily on a keyboard and mouse setup. This will no longer become an issue with the new client beta, Polygon reported.
Not all games are designed with a controller setup in mind and some may not be efficiently played without a keyboard and mouse. It should be noted, however, that this update for Steam should also affect the different Steam Machines out in the market.
Universal controller support comes just months after Steam also launched Playstation 4 controller support for the platform. With the universal support now coming, third party Playstation 4 controllers like those manufactured by MadCatz and Hori.
The client update for Steam is also adding a few other improvements for the digital distribution platform. Games with launchers will now get support for an overlay keyboard and MacOS devices with retina-displays will get improved visuals, Game Rant reported.
An update for Linux users is also expected. It should be noted that the numerous Steam Machines that allow gamers to utilize the platform like a console instead of on a desktop PC run entirely on Linux. If this update applies for Steam Machines then these consoles may also use third-party controllers.
Valve has yet to announce when the universal controller support will be launched for all Steam users. As of the time being only the beta is out. A video showcasing Valve's own Steam controller can be viewed below:
