A new update to Steam has revealed support for Nintendo's Joy Cons, which can be to the absolute delight of gamers running emulators (naughty) or people who just likes hoarding (aka using) different controllers for PC games.
Detail of a woman's hand holding a red Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controller, taken on February 22, 2017.
Destructoid reports that the update is now currently in the Steam beta. This means that while basic support for Joy Cons are there, the feature isn't fully out yet. So expect some bugs and a few other issues if you try this out early. But when you do get these controllers to work, then you have a new option for when you'd like to play games on Steam.
The Steam beta update allows each Nintendo Joy Con controller to be used either on their own or both of them. You can use the left or right Joy Con as a mini gamepad if you want, especially if you feel like the A and B buttons are reversed on Xbox-style controllers after playing too much Animal Crossing on your Switch. This basically means that the same controller configurations on Nintendo's handheld will work on Steam. Aside from that, some users are also saying that the buttons are remappable.
But aside from support for Nintendo Joy Cons, support for other Nintendo controllers have also been improved (via Steam Community). This includes the N64, NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis controller, which would be music to the ears of anybody using these for retro gaming purposes.
If you want to test this out, though, you need to opt into the Steam client beta, writes PCGamer. Good thing is that this is quite easy to do if you want it. Here's what you need:
- Go to Steam Settings>Account.
- Look for "Beta participation."
- Click "Change," then select "Steam Beta Update."
- Restart your Steam client and you're good to go!
Before you try this out, again, be warned that the update is still in the beta phase. So don't go throwing tantrums when things don't work as intended - as is expected with any software in beta.
Read also: New Owners Hint To The Return Of The Deus Ex Franchise
Should You Use Joy Cons On Steam From Here On Out?
At the end of the day, this question really just comes down to preference. What do YOU want to use as a controller? That's the beauty of PC gaming as a whole: options. But considering how Joy Cons have had a history of stick drift (something that a UK-based consumer group is even urging Nintendo to investigate), then maybe you have better options for the moment.
There's a host of excellent controller options for PC and for Steam specifically, as shared by TechRadar. Your best options are Microsoft's own Xbox controllers, as well as other Xbox-style ones like Logitech's F310 or F710 wireless. You can even use PlayStation controllers like the excellent DualShock 4 from the PS4, or the PS5's swanky, cutting-edge DualSense controller.
Would you like to try out your Nintendo Joy Cons on Steam?
Related: Rumored New Nintendo Switch Release Is Cancelled This Year - Report
