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How the Frame Controllers work in non-VR games
Valve describes the Frame Controllers as having the capabilities of standard console game controllers, plus touch states, grip buttons, capacitive finger tracking and six-degrees-of-freedom spatial tracking. Those VR-oriented features do not prevent ordinary gamepad use.
For non-VR titles, Valve’s Steamworks documentation says: “When playing Non-VR titles locally or via streaming the Frame Controllers take full advantage of Steam Input.” Steam Input bindings determine how the game receives your input: as a generic gamepad or as keyboard-and-mouse controls. You do not need a separate controller just to use the Frame Controllers with non-VR content.
Choose where the game runs
| Play method | Where the game runs | What compatibility means |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone | On the Steam Frame headset | Performance and compatibility depend on the headset and its software. Valve’s Steam Frame Standalone Verified review applies to games run locally. |
| Streaming | On your PC, with the game streamed to the headset | The PC runs the game; Valve’s standalone compatibility badge does not assess this streamed-PC use. |
Valve describes Steam Frame as supporting both standalone non-VR experiences and low-latency streaming of a user’s Steam library from a PC. In either case, the basic approach is to start a supported non-VR Steam game and use the Frame Controllers.
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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.
Use the controllers and adjust bindings if needed
- Choose a non-VR Steam game that you can run locally on the headset or stream from your PC.
- Start the game using the mode you intend to play: locally on Frame or streamed from the PC.
- Use the Frame Controllers. Steam Input will provide gamepad-style or keyboard-and-mouse-style input according to the game’s bindings.
- If buttons or controls do not behave as expected, open the game’s controller configuration and review its Steam Input bindings. The correct setup depends on the game; no single binding arrangement is established for every title.
Valve recommends that developers use the Steam Input API so games can display the correct controller glyphs. That is developer guidance, not an extra setup step players need to perform.
Check local compatibility before playing on the headset
For games installed and run locally, check the Steam Frame standalone compatibility status. Valve uses four labels: Verified, Playable, Unsupported and Unknown. A Playable game may need manual configuration; Unknown means its compatibility review has not been completed. The badge is about local execution on Frame, not a rating of the same game streamed from a PC.
Rank #2
- 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.
Local compatibility is not guaranteed for every Steam title. Valve notes that Proton compatibility can prevent or impair some games. A hands-on report by PC Gamer’s Jacob Ridley described playing Hades 2 locally on Frame, with each controller acting as half of a traditional gamepad; that demonstration shows one game working, not universal support. The report also notes that running x86 Windows games on the Arm-based headset depends on Proton and FEX, so performance can vary.
Valve’s review criteria include a minimum of 30 frames per second at 1280×720 for 2D titles during normal play. This is a certification threshold for the review process, not a performance promise for every game or a guarantee of a particular experience.
Rank #3
- Rechargeable wireless pro controller designed for Steam for Windows 11/10 & Steam Deck
- Dedicated buttons for quick access to Steam menus
- Capacitive Touch Thumbsticks, gyro sensor, programmable buttons, & more
- Also functions as an XInput controller for Windows 11/10 (wired mode only)
- Compatible with Steam and Steam Deck
When streaming is the better option
Streaming lets the PC execute the game rather than relying on Frame’s standalone hardware and local compatibility path. It can be a practical alternative when a title is not suitable for local play, but the game still needs to work with the configured Steam Input bindings. A local Verified, Playable, Unsupported or Unknown status does not tell you whether PC streaming will work.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
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