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For the Steam Link app or Steam Link hardware, open Settings > Streaming > Advanced Options > Input Streaming and set it to Enabled. If you are streaming from one Steam computer to another, check that Steam recognizes the controller in Big Picture on the client computer; there is no single controller switch that fixes every game or client device.
Enable input in the Steam Link app or hardware
- Connect or pair the controller with the device running Steam Link.
- Open the Steam Link menu and go to Settings > Streaming > Advanced Options.
- Set Input Streaming to Enabled.
- Start streaming and test the controller in the game.
Valve lists enabling Input Streaming as the direct step for the Steam Link issue described as “No input while streaming.” If the setting is already enabled, continue with the checks below. Steam Support: No input while streaming
Check the setup for your type of Remote Play
Streaming between Steam computers
The controller is connected to the client computer, and its input is sent to the game running on the host. On the client, open Steam Big Picture’s controller settings and check whether Steam recognizes the controller. If it does not, configure it there. Valve notes that some games use raw input and are not yet supported for Remote Play controller input. Steam Support: Remote Play FAQ
Remote Play Together
Additional players connect their own controllers while the host streams the game. Check the game’s Steam store page for the Remote Play Together feature before troubleshooting a second player’s controller. Steam Remote Play Together
#1 Best Overall
- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
Confirm the controller works with both the client and the game
Compatibility is not identical across Steam Big Picture, Steam Link app platforms, and individual games. Valve lists official Microsoft Xbox controllers, Sony DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers, and Nintendo Switch Pro controllers as supported in Steam Big Picture. Third-party controllers may work, but Valve does not officially support them. Steam Support: Controller support
For Steam Link, check compatibility for the specific device running the app rather than assuming the Big Picture list applies. Valve lists Xbox One S controllers for Android Steam Link. For Apple devices, it lists MFi controllers, Xbox One S controllers, DualShock 4 controllers, and Razer Kishi; other input devices may work without official support. Steam Link controller compatibility
Rank #2
- Platform Compatibility: This PC controller is designed for Windows PC, Steam, Switch, Android, and iOS. Xbox-style asymmetric stick layout for PC gamers. Three modes cover all your devices. Please check your device compatibility before purchase
- Three Connection Modes: 2.4G wireless, Bluetooth, wired USB-C. PC gets native XInput/DirectInput. Switch pairs via Bluetooth, no adapter. This gaming PC controller switches devices seamlessly. Stable wireless minimizes random disconnects during gaming
- Hall Effect Precision: Hall effect joysticks and triggers eliminate stick drift. This gaming controller for PC delivers smooth, responsive input with no dead zones. Built for FPS, racing, and action games. Long-term precision for competitive PC gaming
- Back Buttons & Battery: Two programmable back buttons map combos and shortcuts. Textured grips with dual vibration. 1000mAh battery delivers up to 20H playtime. RGB can be turned off. A solid PC controller for gaming with custom back buttons
- ABXY Layout Switch: Press B + Minus + Plus to swap between PC and Switch modes. Features: 1000Hz polling rate, RGB lighting, turbo. Note: designed without mic jack or gyro sensor
Also check the game’s controller-support label. Full Controller Support means the game can be launched and played using only a controller. Partial Controller Support means a mouse or keyboard may be needed for setup or parts of the interface. Steam Support: Controller support
Use Steam Link touch controls if you do not have a controller
A physical controller is not required to try Steam Link on a phone or tablet. If the app starts without one, touch controls are available. During a session, open the menu to show, hide, or arrange the on-screen controls. Steam Link app FAQ
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- TMR Joysticks - Offering higher sensitivity, greater precision, and enhanced durability.
- 8BitDo Exclusive Wireless Technology - “8Speed”, it delivers an exceptionally stable 2.4G connection with ultra-low latency under 1ms. Engineered for rock-solid reliability, it features strong anti-interference and a 10m range with virtually no lag.
- Trigger Mode Switch - Easily switch between linear Hall Effect triggers and non-linear tactile triggers for optimal control across different gaming scenarios.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection). Customizable 6-Axis Motion Control. Turbo function. Rumble vibration. Support 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2.
- 2 Pro back paddle buttons, extra R4/L4 bumpers, and tactile bumpers & D-pad for enhanced control and faster response. Includes a multifunctional charging dock and USB-C adapter for seamless connectivity.
Troubleshoot controller input in order
- Steam Link: Verify Settings > Streaming > Advanced Options > Input Streaming is enabled. Steam Support: No input while streaming
- Client device: Confirm the controller is connected or paired with the device running Steam Link or the Steam client, and that it is supported on that platform. Steam controller compatibility
- Steam on a computer client: Open Big Picture controller settings and check that Steam recognizes the controller; configure it there if needed. Steam Support: Remote Play FAQ
- The game: Check its controller-support level and consider whether it uses raw input, which Valve says is not supported for Remote Play controller input in some games. Steam Support: Remote Play FAQ
If the controller responds but the video stream is choppy, that is a network-performance issue, not an input setting. Valve recommends wiring the host computer to the router to improve streaming quality. Steam Support: Remote Play troubleshooting
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Multi-Platform PC Gaming Controller: Working with Switch, PC, Android, and iOS devices via Bluetooth, wired, and wireless dongle connections.
- Hall Effect Joysticks: Delivering enhanced recentering performance for smoother control and superior anti-drift capability. Plus, with anti-friction rings.
- 2-Way Trigger Lock: With trigger stops, gamers can toggle between short and long pull positions. Additionally, gamers can activate hair trigger mode by pressing M+LT/RT (triggers must be in the long pull position).
- 1000Hz Polling Rate: This ensures that your inputs are registered almost instantaneously, minimizing lag and maximizing your performance during competitive play.
- Mechanical Circular D-pad: Designed for quick reactions and accuracy in every direction, this D-pad elevates your gaming experience with superior responsiveness.
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