Valve has published a stable Steam Deck Client update on January 21 that merges many controller- and accessibility-related features that have shown up in prior beta updates, like the ability to filter your library by language and accessibility features. The official update notes do cite a number of bug fixes that mostly relate to edge cases, like the Format SD Card button occasionally not showing up or and a few quality-of-life features, like changing the public group chat setting so that users can’t send other members private messages by default. However, the more interesting additions come by way of new controller and gyro input support. For starters, the Steam Deck now once again supports both the Nintendo Switch 2 wired controller, it now supports the Razer Raiju V3 Pro, and it no longer hangs periodically when connecting the Nacon PS4 Compact controller. The Steam Deck will also now update controller schemes immediately when a new controller is connected, instead of waiting until the first input from that controller.

There has been decent movement on the accessibility and controller configuration side, as well. Users can now more easily access the Analog Trigger Output option in the Trigger Mode select options. There is also now a toggle to enable or disable the “Smooth Fine Movements” filter in the controller calibration settings. Valve recommends using this option for controllers with older IMUs, where it has previously noted high resting signal noise. The Joystick Mode’s Stick Response Curve settings also now have a Response Axis Style option, which allows users to select between Per Axis or Circular. The latter is the default unless the response curve is set to linear. There are also a handful of other small fixes, changes, and new options, which you can read about in the full update notes below. Given that many of the components that were updated are not exclusive to the Steam Deck, many Linux and even Windows desktop users will be able to take advantage of these changes as well.

General

  • When connecting a new controller, the glyphs in the footer will now update immediately instead of after the first input from the controller.
  • Reworked the Application Properties -> Betas UI.
  • Fixed certain games using Steam DRM exiting unexpectedly, including Mafia II and Football Manager 2012.
  • Fixed missing registry key error when running Arma 2: Operation Arrowhead.
  • Fixed a case where the ‘Format SD Card’ would remain greyed out after a microSD card is inserted.
  • Fixed incorrect controller glyph in library filter selection dialog and filter description.
  • Fixed Steam client hang when a Nacon PS4 Compact Controller is connected.
  • Fixed an error when trying to pair the Steam Deck devkit tool to a Steam Deck.

Library

  • Library filters now supports filtering by language and accessibility features.

Friends and Chat

  • Other members of public group chats that you are a member of can no longer send you direct messages by default.
  • You can now toggle the ability for group chat members that you are not friends with to direct message you in the ‘Permissions’ section of each group chat’s settings.

Desktop Mode

  • Added display of selected store tags to app filter/collection dialog.

Steam Input

  • Nintendo Switch 2 wired controller support has been re-enabled.
  • Improved handling of issues when a controller disconnects while the controller configurator is open.
  • Added Gyro to Joystick Deflection option: Drag Center Point. When enabled, moving the controller past its maximum deflection angle will drag the center point with it, so that movement back toward the center will immediately register.
  • Added support for the Razer Raiju V3 Pro.
  • Analog Trigger Output is made available in the Trigger Mode select screen for better discoverability.
  • Joystick Mode settings: Added “Response Axis Style” to “Stick Response Curve” options. The Response Curves can be applied in a “Per Axis” or “Circular” fashion. Previously, Joystick Mode only supported “Per Axis” response curves. Generally, Circular is recommended, and is now default. The option will only appear when relevant – when “Stick Response Curve” is not set to “Linear”.
  • Added toggle for Gyro “Smooth Fine Movements”. This filter was necessary for older IMUs which demonstrated a significant amount of resting signal noise, but has become redundant due to the presence of other user tunable filters. It is defaulted to “Off” except in the case of PS4 DualShock controllers. Find it under Settings, Controller, “Calibration & Advanced Settings”.
  • Fixed changes to sliders on the Gyro calibration page not sticking.
  • Fixed an issue with Steam Input API joystick actions not getting As Joystick options for Trackpad/Gyro.
  • Fixed Hori Steam Controller Gyro behavior over Bluetooth.