8BitDo announces it's controllers now have Steam/SteamOS compatibility

How do I update my controller on my steam deck when the update software is only on windows?

8bitdo controllers now offer Steam compatibility!

Full compatibility details coming soon.

What a non-announcement announcment.

Months back, I submitted a support ticket asking if they had any plans to support a d-input mode with both analog triggers and gyroscope inputs enabled, like the steam-licensed controller that just came out at the time did. They said they had no plans, but they'd forward the question. I wonder if this is a result of that. Would be cool if they also started reporting the back paddles as separate inputs as well, but I didn't include that in the ticket.

So how do you update firmware with just a Steamdeck? 8bitdo does not seem to supply Linux software support anymore, so it feels a bit hilarious that they support SteamOS without any official way of updating controllers there.

I found the fwupd tool on github, but it seems a hacky way that cannot update everything. Can the 8bitdo tool be run via proton/wine?

I've been using these for years, including with my docked steam deck, and they already work great.

I also wonder what they could've changed.

I have a Pro 2 and my only complaint with it with "SteamOS" (Bazzite) is that the back paddles don't actually work with Steam Input directly. You can program them with the Ultimate Software, but that means they're stuck only repeating the input of another button on the controller. So if this update brings full Steam Input support that would be awesome, as it would mean you can set all kinds of other functions to them. Plus not having to use a seperate software, and controller-based profiles, would be awesome.

I love these controllers. Side note Everyone please don't stop signing EU: https://eci.ec.europa.eu/045/public/#/screen/home UK: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/702074/

I really wish you could swap the buttons easily to match the system. The 8-bitdo controllers tend to have the Nintendo layout which kind of sucks because most games don't support that they use Xbox. And then of course if you get into emulation nothing will match the PlayStation so I either need several controllers around or to memorize locations

I can get this to work on my steam deck. Back buttons and gyro.

But on my PC, it doesn't work. Does anyone know what the requirements for this to work are? Do I need a specific Bluetooth version?

I just got their ultimate 2 wireless today. It's really nice and works very well on Linux. I just wish their app worked at least through wine. I couldn't even make it work in a Windows VM. Hope they bring it over.

Ive been waiting for this. Which one is the best one to get for both my Steam Deck and desktop?

Has anyone gotten this to work? I have both the SN30 Pro and the Pro 2, both display the latest firmware update as 2.06 which just lists Switch 2 compatibility. Steam doesnt seem to recognize the back buttons on the Pro 2 either.

That's cool to see but I've gone through about 3 8bitdo controllers (gave the last one to my partner). I like them but I wish there triggers were not the rubber magnetic pads. I'm a bit heavy handed when using the triggers and it eventually crushes the pads to not work. Other than that great controller.

Anybody else find a use for the back buttons? I like the idea of them but I haven't really found a great use yet.

Do y'all use a controller in heldheld mode or only docked? I'm curious what the use case is here.

I'm still holding out on the next generation of steam controller for playing games on my deck while docked. Until then, my 8bitdo pro 1 has been wonderful.

I've been using DS3 controllers for over a decade, but they are starting to wear. The drift isn't bad at all, but it's there, although I suspect it's mostly a few rubbers that'd need replacing, I have heard great things about 8BitDo, especially their Hall Effect controllers. Very reasonably priced as well.
So this announcement is just the kick in the butt I needed to get a Pro 2 Hall Effect one.

How have I never seen these before? When my ps4 controller dies I know what I'm getting next now