60% of Steam members use Xbox controllers to play video games

In a realm where the click-clack noise from keyboards and precise mouse movements have always been symbols of PC gaming, a noticeable change is happening. Many gamers are putting down their usual tools for more relaxed playing methods – using controllers.

Valve, the massive company controlling the Steam game platform, has provided some insights into this trend by providing numbers that show how PC gamers’ tastes are changing over time.

Almost 60% of these controller enthusiasts on Steam are devoted to Xbox controllers. This shows their high demand and maybe also the comfort they provide during extended gaming periods, as people like using them.

Valve’s latest discoveries highlight that controller usage on Steam has significantly increased, moving from only 5% to 15% daily over six years. This increase indicates a wider acceptance and inclusion of controllers in the PC gaming world.

• 59% of sessions are using Xbox controllers
• 26% are using PlayStation controllers
• 10% are on Steam Decks

Valve

And it’s not just any controller that’s spearheading this movement. Controllers from Xbox, which have a comfortable design and work with many things, are liked by 59% of the people who use a controller on Steam. This liking is not limited to one particular Xbox generation but includes all of them, such as the old Xbox 360 up until the newest model like Xbox Series X|S.

When it comes to controller usage, PlayStation controllers have a significant share. They are used by 26% of Steam gamers. Valve’s own controller, the Steam Deck, which is both a handheld gaming device and also functions as a controller, holds 10% of this market.

The variety in the use of different types of controllers shows how varied the gamer community’s tastes and preferences are. Valve’s work to better support these controllers, such as teaming up with Sony for PlayStation controllers and enhancing Xbox controller compatibility, has surely contributed to this movement.

Indeed, the increased controller usage on Steam is not simply a matter of numbers. It mirrors the shifts occurring in gaming customs and likings.

Be it about sitting comfortably in a chair with a controller or enjoying the physical sensations of pressing buttons, this alteration towards controllers demonstrates an overall yearning for an adaptable and cozy gaming encounter.

Valve’s dedication to accommodating numerous controllers, encompassing more than 300 types through Steam Input, guarantees that players can enjoy their games as they prefer.

In the world of gaming, the trend towards using controllers by PC gamers is expected to keep growing. Valve is leading this change and making it easier for players to adopt, which means we can expect a future in PC gaming that is diverse and open to all gamers.

If you love using a keyboard and mouse or if you enjoy a relaxed controller-playing style, one thing’s certain: how we play video games is changing, and new ways are available.