Steam Adds Nintendo Controller Support for PC Gamers; How About the Classic Pads?

Urian B., Tech Times 29 July 2022, 02:07 am

In an interesting turn of events, Steam has added support for Nintendo Switch Online's exclusive classic controllers. This means Nintendo Switch Online subscribers are finally eligible to buy the wireless retro controllers directly from the Nintendo store.

Nintendo Controllers can Now be Used with Steam Games

According to the story by Tech Radar, until just recently, the controllers were only usable on the Nintendo Switch due to them being tailor-made for the subscription service. The use of the controllers includes access to retro libraries.

Steam released its recent update notes with Valve confirming that they will be adding support for the Nintendo Online classic controllers. The new patch notes, however, did not remain for that long.

Different Classic Nintendo Controllers Will be Supported

As per an article by The Verge, a Valve spokesperson confirmed that the NES, SNES, N64, and Sega Genesis/Mega Drive will all be supported. Unfortunately, however, the classic pads won't let players walk in what the article by Tech Radar described as "the Mushroom Kingdom."

This means that despite its support, gamers still might struggle to get their hands on the controllers. The article notes that in order to be eligible to purchase the controllers, players will first need to subscribe to the Nintendo Switch Online service.

Subscriber Requirement was a Normal Practice Since 2018

As per the publication, this is a regular case wherein gamers will have to be a subscriber ever since the launch of the NES pad all the way back in 2018. Despite being a subscriber, however, the retro controllers are still not easy to purchase.

The controllers were noted as often out of stock and every restock that happens usually does not last as long. For gamers that want the controllers, they will have to wait until new stock becomes available.

Not All Games Will be Playable with the Classic Controllers Due to Lack of Buttons

One way for gamers to be able to purchase the controllers faster, however, is by bookmarking the controller page in order to keep tabs on when the stock will be available. It is important to note, however, that the classic controllers still lack when it comes to the button department.

This means that players might find it difficult to beat games like "Elden Ring" when they are using the SNES pad. Classic Nintendo controller support is also another potential win for gamers that are using the Steam Deck.

How Users can Use the Classic Controllers with Their Steam Deck

Users will be able to use the classic pads either wirelessly or by using a USB. By using the classic Nintendo controllers, gamers will be able to turn their Steam Deck into some sort of portable retro machine.

One disadvantage, however, is that the controllers might not be practical to use for a lot of different Steam games. This would potentially lead to the controllers not being used by everyone.

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Urian B.