SteamOS controller failure decision tree

Scope

This flow separates physical power/cable, USB or Bluetooth transport, kernel input detection, Steam client detection, Steam Input configuration, controller order, launcher focus, and game-native support.

Start safe

Keep the built-in controls or a known-good wired keyboard available. Record controller model/firmware, wired/wireless mode, dock/hub, game/App ID, runtime, and the last working state. Do not install drivers first.

Decision tree

  1. Device has no power: charge it and test a known data-capable cable/port without a hub.
  2. Not visible to the OS: compare direct USB and Bluetooth; capture hardware/kernel evidence.
  3. Visible to OS, absent in Steam: restart Steam once and compare stable/beta client state.
  4. Works in Steam UI, fails in every game: check controller order and global/per-game Steam Input.
  5. Fails in one game: test the default official template, launcher focus, native vs emulated input, and one known-good game.
  6. Double input or wrong prompts: remove duplicate remappers, nested launchers, or simultaneous native/Steam Input paths one at a time.

Evidence to capture

These commands read hardware and current-boot input evidence. Redact serial numbers before sharing:

Also capture Steam client version, controller order, Steam Input per-game state, selected layout name/revision, and whether Desktop Mode and Gaming Mode differ.

Stop conditions

Stop if built-in controls fail outside Steam, the device repeatedly disconnects at kernel level, a battery/cable/port is damaged, or a proposed fix requires replacing SteamOS input packages or disabling security boundaries. Escalate with one exact device path and reproduction.

Restore baseline

Reconnect one controller directly, restore default controller order and official/default layout, remove test remappers and launch options, restart Steam, and verify a known-good game before returning to the affected title.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the controller work in Steam menus but not one game?
Why does the controller work in Steam menus but not one game?
Transport and Steam UI detection are already working. Focus on controller order, the game's Steam Input setting/layout, launcher focus, and the game's native input support.
Should I install a random controller driver?
Should I install a random controller driver?
No. First identify the exact device, transport, kernel/Steam detection, and affected scope. Unsupported kernel changes can break other input and SteamOS updates.

Sources

Version history

  • 2026-07-15: Phase 6 transport, kernel, Steam Input, order, and game-scope decision tree.