Updated: June 28, 2026 · AceGamer Editorial

TL;DR — The Steam Deck has built-in controls, so you only need an external controller when you dock it to a TV, stand it on a table, or want couch co-op. For docked play, connection type matters: SteamOS has documented Bluetooth latency, so a controller with a 2.4 GHz dongle or wired connection feels better for action games. The best value is the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C, the premium pick is the GuliKit TT Max, and for a cheap, foldable extra controller — great for couch co-op — the AceGamer T50 connects over Bluetooth. Here is how to choose.

When you need a controller for the Steam Deck

The Steam Deck is a handheld with its own sticks, buttons, trackpads and gyro, so for normal handheld play you do not need anything extra. An external controller earns its place in a few specific situations. The most common is docked play: when you connect the Deck to a TV or monitor through a dock or USB-C hub, the built-in controls are no longer in your hands, so you need a separate controller to play from the couch. The second is couch co-op, where you want two or more controllers for local multiplayer on the big screen. The third is simply preference — some players find a full-size gamepad more comfortable than the handheld even in desktop or tabletop use. In all of these, the Deck's flexibility helps: because SteamOS supports the same controllers a gaming PC does, most current controllers work, connecting wirelessly over Bluetooth or wired through the dock's USB ports. The question is which controller, and the answer starts with how it connects.

It is worth being clear that for many Steam Deck owners, the built-in controls are all they ever use, and that is completely fine — the Deck is designed to be a self-contained handheld. So this guide is not saying you need to buy a controller; it is for the specific and common cases where an external one truly helps. Docking to a TV is the big one, because a docked Deck across the room simply cannot be played on its own screen and buttons. Couch co-op is the next, since local multiplayer needs a controller per player. And a smaller group prefers a full-size pad for comfort during long sessions even at a desk. If none of those describe you, you can skip the purchase entirely. If one or more do, the rest of this guide helps you choose well, and the choice hinges more on connection type and a couple of features than on brand prestige.

The Bluetooth latency thing to know first

This is the single most useful thing to understand before buying, and most guides skip it. On SteamOS, Bluetooth controllers have a documented tendency toward input lag, especially when the Deck is docked, with users reporting noticeable delay that can range from harmless in menu-heavy games to disruptive in fast action titles. Xbox controllers over Bluetooth are often singled out as particularly affected. The fix is straightforward: a controller that connects over a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle or a wired USB connection through the dock avoids the issue and feels responsive. So for docked, competitive or twitchy play, a 2.4 GHz or wired controller is the better technical choice, while for casual games, menu-driven titles, and local co-op where a little latency is not critical, a Bluetooth controller is perfectly enjoyable. This distinction runs through the picks below: it is why the value and premium recommendations use 2.4 GHz, and why a Bluetooth controller is framed as a great budget and co-op option rather than the pick for competitive docked play.

Quick picks at a glance

Prices vary by region and over time; treat figures as approximate at the time of writing.

8BitDo Ultimate 2C — best value

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2C is the controller most reviewers recommend for docking a Steam Deck, and it is hard to argue with at around $30. Crucially for the Deck, it includes a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle, which sidesteps the SteamOS Bluetooth latency issue and gives an imperceptible delay, and it polls at 1000 Hz in both wireless and wired modes. It uses Hall-effect sticks that resist drift, has a refined D-pad well suited to 2D games and menus, and offers around 19 hours of battery life. It even adds an extra set of quick-fire trigger buttons that can be customised on the controller itself. The trade-offs at this price are predictable — no back paddles, no charging dock, and a lighter plastic build than premium options — but for most people docking a Deck, the combination of low-latency 2.4 GHz, drift-resistant sticks and a low price makes it the sensible default. If you want one controller for docked Deck play and are not chasing premium extras, start here.

What makes the Ultimate 2C such an easy recommendation is that it puts the things that matter for the Deck ahead of the things that do not. On a TV across the room, low latency and comfortable, reliable controls matter far more than back paddles or a fancy dock, and the 2C nails exactly those with its 2.4 GHz connection, drift-resistant sticks and solid ergonomics, at a price that leaves nothing to argue with. Reviewers repeatedly note how much controller you get for the money, with the 2.4 GHz link giving a latency that is imperceptible in practice — the crucial detail on a platform where Bluetooth can lag. The extra quick-fire trigger buttons are a small bonus that some players will use and others will ignore, but they cost you nothing. It will not feel as luxurious as a premium pad, and it lacks paddles and a charging dock, yet for the core job of playing a docked Deck responsively and comfortably, it is hard to spend your money better.

GuliKit TT Max — best premium

If you want the best docked experience and are willing to pay for it, the GuliKit TT Max is the premium pick. It uses TMR sticks — the newer contactless magnetic technology — with adjustable tension, so you can make them tighter for shooters or looser for platformers, and it connects over an included 2.4 GHz adapter for low latency. Its standout feature for Steam Deck use is the gyro, widely regarded as the smoothest available, which combined with Steam Input's gyro support becomes a real advantage for precision aiming in shooters. Dual-stage triggers can switch to tactile buttons via physical sliders, and four back paddles round out the package. It is a significant step up in price from the value pick, so it suits players who want the finest sticks, the best gyro and full customisation for serious docked play. For most people the Ultimate 2C is enough, but if you want the top docked experience, the TT Max delivers it.

The case for stepping up to a controller like the TT Max is really about two things the value pick cannot match: sticks and gyro. Adjustable-tension TMR sticks let you tune the feel to the game, which competitive players in shooters and platformers appreciate, and TMR is the most precise of the contactless magnetic technologies, so the sticks stay accurate and consistent over time. The gyro is the bigger draw for Deck use, because Steam Input turns a good gyro into a real aiming advantage, and the TT Max's implementation is widely regarded as the smoothest available. Add four back paddles and dual-stage triggers, and it is a controller built for players who want to extract maximum performance from a docked Deck. Whether that is worth the considerable price premium over the Ultimate 2C depends on how seriously you play; for enthusiasts chasing the best, it is, while for everyone else the value pick already covers the essentials well.

DualSense — best for immersion

The PlayStation DualSense is a superb controller and a strong Steam Deck option for players who value immersion, since its adaptive triggers, advanced haptics and multi-touch trackpad are features nothing else here matches. On the Steam Deck, the trackpad is customisable through Steam Input, echoing the Deck's own trackpad functionality, and the overall ergonomics are excellent. The one caveat for Deck use is connection: the DualSense pairs over Bluetooth rather than a 2.4 GHz dongle, so it is subject to the SteamOS Bluetooth latency consideration above, making it better suited to games where its immersive features shine than to the most latency-sensitive competitive play. If you already own a DualSense or want its haptics and adaptive triggers, it is a comfortable, feature-rich choice for the Deck, particularly for single-player and atmospheric games.

Xbox Wireless Controller — best full-size standard

The Xbox Wireless Controller is one of the most popular controllers in the world, a benchmark for comfort and reliability, and it works with the Steam Deck. For many players it is the default gamepad they already own. The important caveat specific to the Deck is that Xbox controllers over Bluetooth are among those most often reported to suffer the SteamOS Bluetooth latency, which can affect fast games when docked. Using the Xbox controller wired through the dock, or with the official Xbox wireless adapter plugged into the dock, avoids this and is worth doing for action titles. As a comfortable, familiar, widely available controller it remains a good choice, especially if you have one already, provided you connect it in a way that keeps latency low for the games that need it. For couch co-op, note that the official Xbox wireless adapter can handle multiple controllers at once, which is useful for local multiplayer.

AceGamer T50 — best budget extra for co-op

The AceGamer T50 earns its place here as an affordable, foldable extra controller — the sort you buy one or two of to keep around for couch co-op or as a cheap spare, rather than as a competitive docked main pad. It connects to the Steam Deck over Bluetooth, works well for casual games, menu-driven titles and local multiplayer, and its foldable, pocketable design at about 94 g makes it easy to bring along or store. Being honest about the trade-off: because it uses Bluetooth rather than a 2.4 GHz dongle, it is subject to the SteamOS Bluetooth latency consideration, so it is not the pick for twitchy competitive play on a docked Deck, where a 2.4 GHz controller has the edge. Where it shines is value and versatility — at a $29.99 list price at the time of writing, it is inexpensive enough to buy several for multiplayer, it folds away neatly, and the same controllers also work with a Switch, a phone and a PC, so they are not single-purpose. It uses standard rather than Hall-effect sticks. For a cheap, portable, do-everything extra controller for couch co-op and casual docked play, it is a sensible pick; for competitive docked gaming, choose a 2.4 GHz option instead. Setup is covered in use the T50 with a Steam Deck.

The reason to be this candid about where the T50 fits is that it serves you better than a hard sell. If someone's main goal is the lowest-latency competitive experience on a docked Deck, the honest recommendation is a 2.4 GHz controller like the Ultimate 2C, and saying otherwise would set them up for disappointment. But the T50 answers a different and very common need: an inexpensive, foldable controller that is easy to keep spare, ideal for pulling out when a friend joins for local co-op, and useful across a Switch, phone and PC rather than sitting idle. For that role — value, portability and multiplayer flexibility — it is a strong choice, and its low price makes buying two for co-op painless. Matching the controller to the job, rather than assuming one pick suits every scenario, is the theme of this whole guide, and the T50 is the right answer for the budget-and-co-op job specifically.

The Steam Controller and other options

A few other controllers are worth knowing about. Valve has introduced a new version of its own Steam Controller, releasing alongside the Steam Machine, which as Valve's first-party option is designed to work closely with SteamOS and Steam Input; if you want the most integrated official experience, it is worth watching, though availability has been limited. The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller also works with the Deck and offers gyro, HD rumble and mappable rear buttons, though some of its features are Nintendo-specific and it is better suited to wired or docked use on the Deck. And various GameSir and other Hall-effect controllers work well too, often with 2.4 GHz dongles that suit docked play. The wider point is that the Deck's PC-like compatibility means you have a lot of choice; the deciding factors are connection type for latency, whether you want gyro and back buttons, and your budget.

How to connect a controller to the Steam Deck

Connecting is simple, and the method affects latency. For Bluetooth, put the controller into pairing mode and add it under Settings, Bluetooth on the Deck; this is the easiest route and fine for casual and co-op play, with the latency caveat above. For a 2.4 GHz dongle, plug the controller's wireless adapter into a USB port on the dock or a USB-C hub; this gives the low-latency wireless connection recommended for docked action games. For a wired connection, plug the controller into a dock USB port with a cable, which gives the lowest latency of all. Once connected, you can fine-tune the controller in Steam's controller settings, where Steam Input lets you configure buttons, back paddles and gyro. A practical tip: keep a Bluetooth controller for quick, casual sessions, and use a 2.4 GHz or wired connection when you sit down for serious docked play, so you get convenience and responsiveness where each matters. Remember that outputting to a TV requires the dock or a hub for video, while a controller alone only needs the wireless or USB connection.

In short, connect over Bluetooth for convenience, or over 2.4 GHz or wired when you want the lowest latency for demanding docked games.

Which should you buy?

To pull it together, the right controller depends on how you play on the Deck. If you dock it and want the best value, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C is the clear pick, with its 2.4 GHz dongle solving the latency question at a low price. If you want the finest docked experience, the GuliKit TT Max delivers premium sticks and gyro. If you value immersion and own or want a DualSense, its haptics and adaptive triggers are unmatched, with the Bluetooth latency caveat. If you already have an Xbox pad, use it wired or with its adapter for low latency. And if you want a cheap, foldable extra — or several — for couch co-op and casual play, the AceGamer T50 is an economical, portable choice that also serves your other devices. The one rule that ties it together is connection: for competitive docked play prioritise 2.4 GHz or wired, and treat Bluetooth as the convenient option for casual and multiplayer use.

Gyro, back buttons and Steam Input

Two features are worth seeking out for the Deck, both powered by Steam Input. Gyro aiming is a genuine advantage in shooters, letting you fine-tune aim by tilting the controller, and Steam Input has built-in gyro support, so any controller with a gyro sensor — the DualSense, GuliKit TT Max and others — can use motion aiming in any game through Steam's controller configuration. Back buttons or paddles add extra inputs you can map to actions, keeping your thumbs on the sticks, and Steam Input lets you configure these too. When choosing a Deck controller, then, it is worth considering whether you want gyro and back buttons, since Steam Input makes them broadly usable regardless of the game. For a controller with its own gyro, remapping and macros that also works across your other devices, the AceGamer T50's feature set is covered in its remap, macros, gyro and Turbo guide, and stick technology generally in anti-drift controllers explained.

View the AceGamer T50 → · Shop PC Controllers →

Frequently asked questions

What is the best controller for the Steam Deck?
For docked play, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C is the best value thanks to its 2.4 GHz dongle, Hall sticks and low price, while the GuliKit TT Max is the premium pick. A DualSense or Xbox pad works well if you own one, and the AceGamer T50 is a cheap, foldable extra for couch co-op.

Why does my Bluetooth controller lag on the Steam Deck?
SteamOS has a documented tendency toward Bluetooth input lag, especially when docked, and Xbox controllers are often affected. Using a controller with a 2.4 GHz dongle or a wired connection through the dock avoids it and feels responsive.

Do I need a dock to use a controller with my Steam Deck?
No. You can pair a Bluetooth controller and play on the built-in screen. A dock or USB-C hub is only needed to output video to a TV, and it also provides USB ports for 2.4 GHz dongles and wired controllers.

Can I use gyro aiming with a controller on the Steam Deck?
Yes. Steam Input has built-in gyro support, so any controller with a gyro sensor can use motion aiming in any game through Steam's controller configuration. Gyro is a real advantage for precision aiming in shooters.

Is the AceGamer T50 good for the Steam Deck?
It is a good budget and couch co-op choice, connecting over Bluetooth and folding away neatly, and it also works with a Switch, phone and PC. For competitive docked play a 2.4 GHz controller has lower latency, so the T50 suits casual and multiplayer use best.

Can I connect multiple controllers for couch co-op on the Steam Deck?
Yes, though Bluetooth can be limited with several controllers at once. For three or more, a wireless adapter such as the official Xbox adapter, plugged into the dock, handles multiple controllers more reliably than Bluetooth alone.

Do I need an expensive controller for the Steam Deck?
No. A value controller like the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C at around $30 covers most needs well, and a budget pad like the T50 works for casual and co-op play. Premium controllers add better sticks, gyro and paddles, but are not necessary for a good experience.

Can I use an Xbox or PlayStation controller with the Steam Deck?
Yes. Both work with the Deck, since SteamOS supports the same controllers a gaming PC does. For lowest latency, use a wired connection or a 2.4 GHz adapter where available, as Bluetooth can add delay on SteamOS, especially when docked.

Is a 2.4 GHz controller better than Bluetooth for the Steam Deck?
For docked and action games, yes — a 2.4 GHz dongle avoids the Bluetooth latency SteamOS can exhibit. For casual, menu-driven and co-op play, Bluetooth is perfectly fine and more convenient. Match the connection to how demanding your games are.

Can I buy several cheap controllers for Steam Deck multiplayer?
Yes, and it is a common approach. An affordable, foldable pad like the AceGamer T50 is inexpensive enough to buy two or more for couch co-op, and they store easily. For three or more controllers at once, a wireless adapter in the dock is more reliable than Bluetooth.

Sources & methodology

This guide draws on published reviews, community reports and manufacturer specifications for the controllers listed, alongside AceGamer's finalized specifications for the T50. The SteamOS Bluetooth latency behaviour reflects widely reported user experience. Prices and availability vary by region and change over time, so figures are approximate at the time of writing.

• Steam Deck controllers and the Valve Steam Controller — BGR.
• Steam Deck controller reviews and Steam Input notes — Gardiner Bryant.
• AceGamer T50 details — T50 specs & price.