There's a project developing a user-mode driver for the Steam Controller that allows it to emulate an Xbox controller in any game without need for the proprietary Steam client. It will act as a proper controller only for games launched through Steam. By default, it works in 'desktop mode' where it emulates mouse input. Support for the Steam Controller is provided through the steam-devices package. In December 2020, Sony published an official Linux driver for the 'DualSense' controller that comes with the PlayStation 5 that should bring its support up to parity with previous Sony controllers, but the patchset remains under review. This also applies for the DualShock 3 and DualShock 4 controllers commonly used by the PlayStation consoles.

This includes both wired and wireless variants, whether by using official wireless receivers or through Bluetooth. Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One controllers, including many knock-offs, should work out-of-the-box with no issues. There are many useful games in the Debian repositories for verifying that your gamepad works as expected, but supertuxkart is especially recommended due to its fantastic gamepad support.

Hit the 'Calibrate' button in the bottom-left and follow the on-screen instructions.

Select your gamepad in the 'Device' drop-down box.

Open Application Launcher > System Settings > Input Devices > Game Controller Open Application Launcher > Search > Game Controller The process in the KDE Plasma desktop is documented here but the instructions are near-universally applicable. Many desktops have built-in configuration modules to select any connected gamepads and calibrate them. Given that the majority of devices have their necessary drivers built-in, the only thing most people might need to do is calibrate their controller afterwards.

Install steam controller config