Steam Client Update Adds Gamepad Fixes and Revamped Beta UI
▼ Summary
– The Steam client has received a major update that appears to be preparing for the upcoming release of the Steam Machine, Valve’s living-room Linux PC, expected in early 2026.
– The update includes numerous controller-related fixes and updates, such as re-enabling support for the Nintendo Switch 2 wired controller and improving joystick and gyro settings.
– Other significant improvements in the update allow users to filter their game library by store tags and accessibility features, and it fixes crashes for specific older games like Mafia 2 Classic.
– A notable quality-of-life change in Big Picture Mode now immediately updates on-screen controller glyphs when a gamepad is connected, instead of waiting for user input.
– The full patch also addressed various general crashes, multiplayer errors, and updated privacy settings for group chats and reporting features.
The latest Steam client update delivers a suite of improvements, with a notable focus on refining controller support and enhancing the user interface. This release packages numerous fixes previously tested in the beta branch, addressing everything from gamepad compatibility to library management tools. While the update benefits all users, the emphasis on controller fixes and updates suggests Valve is fine-tuning the experience ahead of its anticipated Steam Machine hardware launch.
A significant portion of the update is dedicated to input devices. Support for the Nintendo Switch 2 wired controller has been restored, accompanied by new settings for adjusting joystick responses and corrections for gyro aiming functionality. These adjustments point toward a polished living-room experience, ensuring a wide range of gamepads will work seamlessly. Beyond controllers, the update introduces practical library features. Users can now filter their game collections by the same store tags found on product pages, such as ‘psychological horror’ or ‘dwarf’. The interface for managing game betas has also been redesigned to be cleaner and more intuitive.
Several persistent crashes have been resolved. Specific titles like Mafia 2 Classic and Football Manager 2012 will no longer exit unexpectedly due to a fix for certain Steam DRM implementations. Other corrections address client crashes related to specific VPN software, force feedback gamepad drivers, and the connection of certain controllers like the Nacon PS4 Compact model.
A subtle but welcome change in Big Picture Mode addresses a minor annoyance. When you connect a gamepad while in this interface, the on-screen button prompts now switch from keyboard to controller glyphs instantly, without waiting for your first input. The update also revises permissions for group chats, preventing non-friends in public groups from sending direct messages by default, with the option to toggle this setting per group.
The full list of changes includes:
General
- Added display of selected store tags to the app filter and collection dialog.
- Reworked the Betas UI in Application Properties.
- Fixed certain games using Steam DRM exiting unexpectedly.
Fixed a missing registry key error for Arma 2: Operation Arrowhead*.
- Fixed a client crash when Astrill VPN is installed.
- Fixed a crash on Windows with certain force feedback gamepad drivers.
- Fixed a client hang when a Nacon PS4 Compact Controller is connected.
- Fixed an erroneous “Part of this app has been blocked” dialog triggered by plugging in a controller.
- Fixed a multiplayer connection error for Source SDK games.
Library
- Advanced filtering now supports filtering by language and accessibility features.
Friends and Chat
- Members of public group chats you are in can no longer send direct messages by default.
- Added a toggle in group chat settings to allow direct messages from non-friends.
- Added a ‘report’ option to the right-click menu on chat window tabs and profile names in the chat log.
Big Picture Mode
- Controller glyphs in the footer update immediately upon connecting a new controller.
- Fixed incorrect controller glyphs in the library filter dialog.
Remote Play
- Fixed incorrect resolution when streaming to macOS in fullscreen mode.
SteamVR
- Fixed cases where Dashboard UI elements would not appear.
Steam Input
- Various fixes and updates for controller support.
(Source: PC Gamer)
