How to Use Steam Deck as a PC Controller

Many people today enjoy playing games directly on their smart devices. However, some prefer to stream games from their PCs. This is where Steam Deck comes in handy. Developed by Valve Corporation, Steam Deck is a portable game controller that makes it easy to control PC games. Its compact and portable design makes it a great choice for gaming on the go. There are many benefits to playing with Steam Deck, and one of the biggest is its versatile controller. The console comes with familiar buttons and triggers that make it easy to control in-game actions! Because of its form factor, it can even work beautifully as a controller for your PC. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to set up Steam Deck as a PC Controller. (Source: XDA-Developers)

The great news is that your Steam Deck can easily connect to your computer! There are two simple ways to use it as a PC controller, one a little simpler than the other. Here's how to turn your Steam Deck into a regular PC controller.

Use Steam Deck as PC Controller via Remote Play

Using Remote Play is a quick and easy way to turn your Steam Deck into a PC controller. Here's how to set it up:

- - Install the Game: Make sure the game you want to play is installed on your main computer. If it's not on Steam, manually add it to your Steam library.
  - Connect to the Same Network: Make sure both your PC and Steam Deck are on the same network. For better performance, connect your PC via Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi.
  - Open Steam Settings: Open Steam on your computer. Click the Steam icon in the top left corner, then select: Settings.
  - Enable Remote Play: Go Remote Play tab in Steam Settings. Make sure: Enable Remote Play option is selected.
  - Enable Advanced Host Options: In the Remote Play settings, check the box Advanced Host Options.
  - Play Sound on Host: Also, make sure you enable Play Audio on host computer.
  - Start Broadcast: On your Steam Deck, go to your library and find the game you want to stream. Select TransferIf you see Play in its place TransferClick on the arrow next to Play and choose Broadcast from your computer.
  - Select Your Computer: From the drop-down menu on your Steam Deck, select your desktop name to start streaming.

And that's it! With this setup, you'll be streaming your gameplay to your Steam Deck, but you'll be watching it on your PC screen. Keep in mind that if you use the Steam overlay, it will appear on your Deck, not your PC. Screenshots will also be taken on your Deck, and you'll be controlling your PC just like you would with a regular controller.

For the best experience, make sure you have a strong Wi-Fi connection. If your connection isn't great, you may need to lower the resolution in the Remote Play settings on your deck (press the Steam button, go to Settings, then go to the Remote Play tab).

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Use VirtualHere to Use Steam Deck as a Controller

If Remote Play isn't enough for you, there's a clever way to turn your Steam Deck into a real PC controller, even if it wasn't originally designed for that purpose. Discovered by a resourceful Reddit user, this process involves a few more steps, but it works pretty well. Here's a quick rundown of how to do it:

In your Steam Deck:

Press the Steam Button: Go Strength and choose Switch to desktop.
Download VirtualHere: Open your web browser and get the VirtualHere USB Server for Linux (x86_64).
Open settings: Go Start Menu > Settings > System Settings.
Set Password: Go to: Users Click the tab and create a simple password.
Open Dolphin File Manager: Go Documentsand create a folder named VirtualHere (all lower case).
Move File: Cut vhusbdx86_64 from file Downloads and paste this VirtualHere file.
Make File Executable: Right click vhusbdx86_64go Features > Permissionsand check Execute box.
Add to Steam: Open Steam, go to: Add a Game > Add a Non-Steam Gameclick Browse, and find vhusbdx86_64 in the file VirtualHere Folder. Add.
Configure Shortcut: Find and select the new entry in Steam Overcome And Features. Inside Shortcut tab:
- Aim: Change env
- Beginning: Change "./"
- Launch Options: Paste this: -u LD_PRELOAD konsole --fullscreen --notransparency --hold -e sudo /home/deck/Documents/virtualhere/vhusbdx86_64
Rename and Icon: Change the name of the app to something like this: Controller and you can add an icon if you want.

Steam Deck

On your computer:

Get VirtualHere Client: Download and install the VirtualHere Client appropriate for your operating system.
Open VirtualHere Client: You can see the USB Hubs are turned on.
Configure Hubs: Right click USB Hubs and choose Identify Hubs.
Add Your Deck: Click To addType in the IP address of your Steam Deck and then :7575.
To connect: You have to see Steam Controller. Double-click to use your Steam Deck as a Steam controller.
Disconnect: Right click USB Hubs and click ExitPress the Steam button on your Steam Deck and select it Exit GameIf necessary, restart your Deck by holding down the power button and tapping it. Restart.

Final Notes:

Password Entry: You will need to enter your password every time you open the Controller app. Keep it simple for convenience.
Performance: This method works well and may be better for non-Steam games than Remote Play.

Solution

No matter which method you choose, you’ll encounter some issues. Remote Play can be difficult on weak networks, and VirtualHere can feel a bit clunky. Also, using the Steam Deck as a controller can be cumbersome due to its size and power requirements. It’s a good idea to have a reliable charger and perhaps a case for protection. Despite these quirks, both methods provide a good experience for using your Steam Deck as a PC controller.

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