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Comment by nerdjon

1 hour ago

I don't buy that argument completely, nothing would be stoping them from just not bundling the drivers with Steam and also not requiring that I launch games through steam (if that is true).

While we could argue about the state of Windows, Steam also did not have to engineer it this way and the requirement of launching through Steam feels deliberate.

From what I can find, as others have mentioned, the 8BitDo controllers don't require Steam to be running to work. I presume the PS5 controller likely also does not (I will test this later)

2 comments

nerdjon

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retired  1 hour ago

On both macOS and Windows I have used borrowed PS4 and 8BitDo controllers and I can confirm that you do not need a Sony/8BitDo user account or any of their software running in the background for the controller to work.

  • nerdjon  1 hour ago

    I only tried one game, but I just tried plugging my PS5 controller into my PC and it worked without needing to install anything in Mass Effect Legendary Edition, and Steam is not running so it isn't Steam Input handling it.

    My PC may have installed something on its own, but I did not.

    However I don't have an issue if there is a driver, the requirement of Steam running and apparently launching the game through steam is the issue here.

    Edit:

    I just realized I completely missed the not in your message:

    > I can confirm that you do not need a Sony/8BitDo user account or any of their software running in the background for the controller to work.

    so I guess my reply was not necessary, I need more coffee...