Valve’s most recent update to the Steam client beta has introduced advanced mapping features for the Xbox One and Xbox 360 controllers. Having received the same treatment previously, owners of the PlayStation 4’s DualShock 4 have enjoyed the same customization options for a while.
“Added XBox 360, Xbox One, and Generic X-Input controller configurator support.” explains the patch notes, adding that “this allows all recognized controller types to use the advanced mapping features of the Steam Controller Configurator. As they share the same inputs, Xbox 360/One/Generic controllers will all see each-others configurations when browsing.”
As to why Valve opted to go with Sony’s flagship gamepad before Microsoft’s (the Xbox 360 pad is typically seen as the most popular method of gamepad input on PC), Level Up Labs’ Lars Doucet said during last year’s Steam Dev Days that the decision was made due to the similarities between the DualShock 4 and Steam controllers.
Well, not only is it a really nice, high quality controller, but it’s also got a gyro and a touchpad, so it’s got a lot of overlapping functionality with the Steam Controller. Also, existing native support for the PS4 controller on the PC is a bit weak; in this case Steam itself is communicating directly with the device so everything that’s nice and reliable.
As an added bonus for fighting game enthusiasts, the Steam beta now includes support for third-party PlayStation 4 peripherals, including fight sticks and the like. You can head through to the Steam Community page here to see the full patch notes.
