Valve’s new Steam client beta update adds Steam Joy-Con support for Nintendo Switch controllers, meaning they’re now officially supported as a way to play PC games. This add-on rounds out the list of compatible Switch controllers, which includes the Switch Pro controller and Nintendo’s line of classic-style controllers.
The Steam client beta update on August 5 introduces official support for the small pair of controllers that form the backbone of the Nintendo Switch console. As with the Switch itself, you can use the controllers individually, where they’ll be treated like a mini gamepad, or pair them together to enable full-size controller functionality.
While the Switch Joy-Con may not be the optimal way to play the game for most people, it does offer some pretty useful features. For example, instead of the traditional cross-shaped control panel on the left, the Joy-Con has four separate buttons, much like the “face buttons” normally found on the right side of the controller. These separate buttons can be useful in games that require high directional precision, especially classic games like Tetris or Pac-Man, where accidentally pressing in the wrong direction can spell disaster.
This update also improves Valve’s compatibility with classic controllers for Nintendo Online, which has officially launched on Steam. This range of controllers, which includes models based on the NES, SNES, Nintendo 64 and Mega Drive pads, requires you to be a Nintendo Switch Online subscriber to purchase, but if you have one you can now use it via Steam.
The update is currently part of the Steam client beta – to select it and try out the latest features before its official release, including Joy-Con controller support, you need to head to the Steam settings menu. There, click the “Account” tab, then click “Edit…” next to “Beta Participation” and select the “Update Steam Beta” option. You will need to restart the Steam client to complete the process.
If you prefer to use an Xbox or PlayStation controller, you can take advantage of the Steam controller lighting options offered for both. Steam Survival Fest takes place the first week of August with discounts on a variety of games, including some of the best survival games on PC. The new platform legislation changes the way developers can showcase their games, with new restrictions on the art of Steam games in the store.
Source : PC Gamesn
