How to Get PlayStation Buttons on Steam: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re tired of seeing those pesky Xbox buttons staring back at you while wielding your trusty PlayStation controller on Steam? You’re not alone! Many gamers prefer the visual consistency of having the correct button prompts displayed on-screen, and thankfully, Steam provides several ways to achieve this. Here’s a breakdown of the methods you can use to get PlayStation buttons showing in your Steam games:

The easiest method is usually to enable PlayStation Configuration Support in Steam’s settings. This often works seamlessly for many games. However, if that doesn’t work, you may need to dive into game-specific settings or use a controller input mapper like DS4Windows. This guide will walk you through all the options.

Understanding Steam Input

Before diving into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand Steam Input. This is Steam’s own system for handling controller input, and it’s incredibly powerful. It allows you to customize your controller layout on a per-game basis and even use controllers that aren’t natively supported by the game. Steam Input also plays a key role in how button prompts are displayed.

Method 1: Enabling PlayStation Configuration Support in Steam

This is the most straightforward approach. It involves telling Steam that you’re using a PlayStation controller, and it will attempt to display the correct button prompts whenever possible.

1. Open Steam.
2. Go to Steam > Settings.
3. Select Controller.
4. Click on General Controller Settings.
5. A new window will open, showing your detected controllers.
6. Look for PlayStation Configuration Support. If you’re using a DualShock 4, it’ll say “PS4 Configuration Support”. For a DualSense, it will state “PlayStation Configuration Support”.
7. Check the box next to the appropriate option.
8. You might need to restart Steam for the changes to take effect.

After enabling this setting, launch your game and see if the PlayStation button prompts are now displayed. If not, proceed to the next method.

Method 2: Using Big Picture Mode

Big Picture Mode is Steam’s interface designed for use with a TV and controller. It offers a more immersive experience and sometimes handles controller configurations differently.

1. Enter Big Picture Mode by clicking the Big Picture Mode icon in the top-right corner of the Steam window.
2. Navigate to Settings (the gear icon).
3. Under Controller, select Controller Settings.
4. Ensure that PlayStation Configuration Support is enabled (as described in Method 1).
5. Exit Big Picture Mode.
6. Launch your game.

Some games might only display PlayStation button prompts when launched from Big Picture Mode.

Method 3: Game-Specific Controller Configuration

Sometimes, the global Steam settings aren’t enough, and you need to configure the controller on a per-game basis.

1. In your Steam Library, right-click on the game you want to configure.
2. Select Properties.
3. Go to the Controller tab.
4. In the “Override for [Game Name]” dropdown, choose Enable Steam Input.
5. Close the Properties window.
6. Right-click on the game again and select Manage > Controller Configuration.
7. This opens the Steam Input configurator. You can manually remap buttons here, but more importantly, you can Browse Configs in the bottom-left corner.
8. Select Community to view configurations created by other users.
9. Search for a configuration that specifically mentions PlayStation buttons or PS4/PS5 prompts.
10. Select the configuration and click Apply Configuration.

This method allows you to use community-created controller configurations that are tailored to display PlayStation button prompts in that specific game.

Method 4: Using DS4Windows (or similar input mappers)

DS4Windows is a popular third-party program that allows you to use your PlayStation controller on PC as if it were an Xbox controller. This is often necessary for games that don’t natively support PlayStation controllers. Critically, DS4Windows can also be configured to emulate a DualShock 4 controller, which forces the game to display PlayStation prompts.

1. Download and install DS4Windows. You can find it easily online.
2. Follow the instructions to install the drivers.
3. Connect your PlayStation controller via USB or Bluetooth.
4. In DS4Windows, create a new profile for your controller.
5. Edit the profile and go to the “Other” tab.
6. Set “Emulated Controller” to “DualShock 4”.
7. Save the profile.
8. Launch your game.

By emulating a DualShock 4 controller, DS4Windows forces the game to recognize it as a PlayStation controller, which usually results in the correct button prompts being displayed. DS4Windows also offers advanced customization options, such as remapping buttons, creating macros, and adjusting the light bar color.

Method 5: Native Game Support

Some games have built-in options to switch between Xbox and PlayStation button prompts. Check the game’s settings menu for a “Controller” or “Input” section. Look for an option to select the button prompt style. If the game offers this option, simply select “PlayStation” to display the correct button prompts. This is becoming increasingly common, especially with newer titles.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Restart your computer: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve controller detection issues.
• Update your controller drivers: Make sure you have the latest drivers installed for your PlayStation controller.
• Check your Bluetooth connection: If you’re using Bluetooth, ensure that your connection is stable. Try moving closer to your Bluetooth adapter or using a USB connection instead.
• Disable other controller input programs: If you have other programs like XInput wrappers running, disable them to avoid conflicts.
• Verify game files: In Steam, right-click on the game, select Properties > Local Files > Verify integrity of game files. This can fix corrupted game files that might be causing controller issues.
• Check for game updates: Ensure that your game is up to date, as updates often include controller support improvements.

Steam provides several methods to ensure that the correct PlayStation buttons are shown. Experiment with these methods to find the one that works best for your setup and the specific game you’re playing. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting out, customizing your gaming experience to your preference can make a big difference in your enjoyment. The Games Learning Society encourages the exploration of different game settings to enhance the overall gaming experience. Remember, a personalized gaming experience is a more engaging gaming experience!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is Steam showing Xbox buttons instead of PlayStation buttons?

Steam’s default configuration often assumes an Xbox controller is being used. To fix this, enable PlayStation Configuration Support in Steam’s Controller settings. If that doesn’t work, the game might not have native PlayStation controller support, requiring the use of DS4Windows or a community configuration.

2. How do I use a PS4 controller on Steam?

First, connect your PS4 controller to your PC via USB or Bluetooth. Then, open Steam and go to Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings. You should see your controller listed. Ensure PS4 Configuration Support is enabled.

3. How do I use a PS5 controller on Steam?

The process is similar to the PS4 controller. Connect your PS5 DualSense controller via USB or Bluetooth. In Steam, go to Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings and enable PlayStation Configuration Support. If you’re having issues, try using a USB connection instead of Bluetooth.

4. What is DS4Windows, and how does it help?

DS4Windows is a third-party program that emulates an Xbox 360 or DualShock 4 controller, allowing you to use your PlayStation controller on PC even in games that don’t natively support it. It can also be configured to force the game to display PlayStation button prompts by emulating a DualShock 4 controller.

5. Can I change the button layout on Steam?

Yes! Steam Input allows you to remap buttons on a per-game basis. In your Steam Library, right-click on the game, select Manage > Controller Configuration. This opens the Steam Input configurator, where you can customize your button layout.

6. Why doesn’t Steam recognize my controller?

Several reasons can cause this. Try restarting Steam, checking your controller drivers, ensuring a stable Bluetooth connection (if applicable), and verifying the integrity of game files. Also, make sure no other controller input programs are conflicting with Steam.

7. Does the Steam overlay affect controller recognition?

The Steam overlay shouldn’t directly affect controller recognition, but it can sometimes cause issues. Try disabling the overlay (Steam > Settings > In-Game > uncheck Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game) to see if it resolves the problem.

8. How do I customize my Steam controls?

Launch Steam in Big Picture Mode, go to Settings > Controller Settings, find your controller, and click Define Layout. This allows you to remap buttons and customize your controller configuration.

9. What controllers are compatible with Steam?

Steam supports a wide range of controllers, including Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4 (DualShock 4), PlayStation 5 (DualSense), Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, and Steam Controller.

10. Why is my PS5 controller showing Xbox buttons on Steam?

This usually happens when Steam’s PlayStation Configuration Support isn’t enabled, or the game natively uses Xbox button prompts. Enable the setting in Steam’s Controller settings and try using DS4Windows if the issue persists.

11. How do I update my controller drivers?

In Windows, search for “Device Manager” in the Start menu. Expand the “Human Interface Devices” or “Sound, video and game controllers” section, find your controller, right-click, and select “Update driver.”

12. Does using a USB connection improve controller performance?

Yes, using a USB connection generally provides a more stable and reliable connection compared to Bluetooth. It can also reduce input latency.

13. How do I find community controller configurations on Steam?

In your Steam Library, right-click on the game, select Manage > Controller Configuration, and click Browse Configs > Community. You can then search for configurations created by other users.

14. Is there a way to globally change all games to use PlayStation buttons?

While Steam’s PlayStation Configuration Support attempts to do this, it’s not always guaranteed to work for every game. Some games might require game-specific configurations or the use of DS4Windows.

15. What is the Games Learning Society, and how is it related to gaming?

The Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, focuses on the intersection of games, learning, and society. They explore how games can be used for educational purposes and how they impact culture and behavior. Learning how to configure your controller and customize your gaming experience is just one facet of understanding how to interact with and optimize the games we play. The GamesLearningSociety.org researches how different game settings might improve game-based learning in educational contexts.