Valve's New Steam Controller Locks Out Xbox Game Pass on PC - briefly
(hx) 03:26 PM CEST - Apr,28 2026
- Post a comment / read (1)
Valve's newly released Steam Controller, a $99.99 device with Steam Deck-style trackpads, gyro controls, and Hall-effect analog sticks set to launch May 4, 2026, lacks native Windows drivers outside the Steam app.
As a result, it offers no support for PC Game Pass titles launched through the Xbox app on Windows 11, where Microsoft's UWP restrictions prevent Steam from detecting or controlling the games.
This mirrors the original Steam Controller's limitations from over a decade ago, which the open-source GlosSI tool resolved by emulating broader compatibility.
PCMag's review confirms the incompatibility is due to Xbox app lockdowns rather than a Valve oversight, forcing users to buy full Steam versions of games like Forza Horizon 6 for full controller features.
Basic XInput mode works for standard buttons in limited scenarios, but advanced Steam Input functions remain unavailable outside Steam.
The community expects a quick GlosSI update or workarounds like UWPHook, with many blaming Microsoft’s ecosystem more than Valve.
|
Updated:11:06 PM CEST Jun,04
(new)
