How to use your Steam Deck as a PC controller with Steam Remote Play

The Steam Deck is already a powerful stand-alone portable device, but it can also come in handy as an alternative gaming console in a pinch. With Steam Remote Play, you can set it up to use as a controller for any number of PC games in just a few steps.

Why use Steam Deck as a controller?

The Steam Deck may be a little more complicated than a regular Bluetooth controller, but if you don’t have one on hand, it can be a solid alternative.

Some computers may not have Bluetooth capabilities, and using a wired controller may be inconvenient. Using Steam Remote Play to connect your Steam Deck eliminates the need for a Bluetooth connection while maintaining the ease of use that comes with a wireless controller.

It can also be a more comfortable option if you prefer the ergonomics that come with the wider frame and more massive construction of the Steam Deck.

What you need

Naturally, the first thing you’ll need is any fully updated Steam Deck model with a good internet connection. You don’t need a super-strong Wi-Fi network to do this, but it should be strong enough to stream content from your computer.

You’ll also need to install the game you want to play on your computer, which means allocating enough space on your drive for the game beforehand. It’s not necessary to install it on the Steam Deck, but you will need to enable the Remote Play option.

Connect your Steam Deck as a controller with Remote Play

To get started, make sure your PC and Steam Deck are connected to the same network, as you’ll need to sync them for Remote Play to work properly between them. A wired connection on your computer gives you a stronger connection for streaming.

You can check the Wi-Fi settings on your Steam Deck by selecting the Wi-Fi icon at the top right.

Open Steam on your computer and access Settings by selecting Steam > Settings in the top-right corner of the desktop app. Go to the Remote Play section and make sure the feature is enabled via the toggle switch located in the right corner of the menu.

Next, scroll down and select “Enable advanced host options,” which should bring up an option called “Play audio on host.” Enable this to ensure you hear game audio from your PC instead of the Steam Deck and avoid audio issues.

Now it’s time to open your Steam Deck and find the game you want to play on your PC.

Depending on whether the game is installed on the set or not, you may see the “Play” button replaced with “Stream.” If not, you can find it by clicking on the little arrow on the right and choosing “Stream.”

Provided that the game is installed on your computer, you should see your computer name appear in the list. Select your PC from the list and the game will start as usual, except you’ll be able to use the Steam Deck to control it.

Technically, you’re streaming the game to your Steam Deck using this method, but if you enable the settings correctly, the game should launch and sound appropriately on your PC screen.

Potential problems when using this method

Depending on how strong your Wi-Fi connection is, you may experience some lag while playing Steam games this way. You can potentially reduce this by lowering the game resolution on your Steam Deck by pressing the “Steam” button, then Settings > Remote Play.

Although it’s still possible to stream games that aren’t on Steam by adding them as non-Steam games, it’s not always guaranteed to work. It may be better to stick with games that use Steam locally or don’t require external players to function properly.

Additionally, since you are still using the Steam Deck to play the game, the game recording interface, screenshots, and Steam Overlay features will not be displayed on your PC. If you want to record gameplay or take screenshots, you’ll have to transfer the clips and images to your Steam Deck afterwards.

Using the Steam Deck as a controller is simple and a useful alternative if you prefer its wider design or don’t have access to a typical gamepad. It may not be the best way to control, but it’s one of the most useful hidden features in the Steam Deck overall.