Steam Controller Tester
Valve's Steam Controller has TMR magnetic sticks, a gyro, grip buttons and trackpads. This tester checks each part in your browser, so you can confirm a new controller works properly or check a used one before buying.
Everything runs in your browser. Nothing is installed, and nothing about your controller is uploaded.
Steam Controller Diagnostics
Test Steam Controller analog triggers, bumpers, face buttons, grip paddles and gyro in your browser.
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How to use it
- Connect the Steam Controller with its USB cable or the wireless puck.
- If Steam is open, close it or turn off Steam Input for the browser, so Steam doesn't take over the controller.
- Press any button so the page detects it.
- Press every button, including the grip buttons on the back, and check each one lights up.
- Move both sticks in full circles, then let them rest to check drift.
- Tilt the controller to test the gyro, and touch the trackpads if the page shows trackpad input.
What your results mean
What to look for:
| Part | Healthy result |
|---|---|
| Buttons | Every button lights up once per press and releases cleanly |
| Sticks at rest | Close to 0.00 on both axes |
| Stick range | Reaches the edge in every direction |
| Gyro | Moves smoothly and stops when the controller is still |
What the browser can and can't read
Part Readable in the browser?
Buttons, triggers, sticks Yes
Gyro In Chrome or Edge on a computer
Trackpads Depends on how the controller connects; shown only when available
Haptics Not tested here
Steam's own controller settings can test the trackpads and haptics if they don't appear here.
About the Steam Controller's sticks
The Steam Controller uses TMR (tunnelling magnetoresistance) sticks. Like Hall effect sticks, they sense position with magnets instead of a sliding contact, so there's nothing to wear down in the same way. That makes drift much less likely.
Less likely isn't impossible. Drops, debris and calibration issues can still cause problems, so a quick test is worth doing on any used controller.
Steam Controller features explained
The Steam Controller combines a normal gamepad layout with features from the Steam Deck. It has two full-size TMR sticks, a D-pad, face buttons, two analog triggers and bumpers, plus two square trackpads below the sticks.
Four grip buttons on the back can be mapped to any action.
A gyro handles motion controls, and Grip Sense uses touch on the back of the controller to turn gyro aiming on and off. It connects by USB, Bluetooth, or a small wireless puck that also charges it magnetically.
Feature What it does
TMR sticks Magnetic sticks that resist drift
Trackpads Mouse-like control for PC games and menus
Grip buttons Four extra buttons on the back
Gyro and Grip Sense Motion aiming you turn on by holding the grips
Puck Wireless connection and magnetic charging
Testing with and without Steam
Steam Input normally takes control of the Steam Controller so it can apply your settings in each game. That's great in games, but it can stop browsers from seeing the controller directly. For testing here, close Steam or turn Steam Input off for your browser.
If you'd rather keep Steam open, Steam's own controller settings include a test screen that shows every input, including the trackpads and haptics. Use both together for a complete picture: this page for sticks, buttons and gyro, Steam's screen for everything else.
Checking a used Steam Controller
Before buying second-hand, check every button including the four grip buttons, both triggers through their full range, and both sticks for drift and full movement. Tilt the controller to check the gyro, and run a finger over each trackpad in Steam's test screen.
Also check the puck is included if you need wireless play, and that the controller charges. A missing puck isn't a fault, but it changes what the controller is worth.
Stick drift and TMR sticks
TMR sticks sense position with magnets, so there's no contact surface that wears down like on standard sticks. That makes drift much less common. When it does appear, it's usually from a drop, debris inside the stick, or calibration that needs resetting.
If you see a small offset at rest, recalibrate in Steam's controller settings first. If the offset stays after calibrating, the stick may be damaged.
Using the Steam Controller outside Steam
Without Steam running, the controller still works as a standard gamepad in many PC games and in browsers. Trackpads and grip buttons may not do anything outside Steam, because Steam Input is what gives them their functions.
For the best experience in non-Steam games, add them to your Steam library as non-Steam games. Steam Input then applies to them too.
Gyro testing
Tilt and turn the controller slowly in each direction and watch the gyro readings. They should change smoothly and return close to zero when you stop. A reading that keeps changing while the controller is still means gyro drift, which calibration in Steam usually fixes.
Our Gyro Calibration page checks drift in more detail and explains how to fix it.
Grip buttons
The four grip buttons on the back are easy to forget when testing. Press each one and check it registers. They're useful for actions like jumping or reloading without taking your thumbs off the sticks.
If a grip button doesn't register here, check it in Steam's test screen too. Some browsers don't report every extra button.
Trackpad care
The trackpads respond to touch, so keep them clean and dry. Sweat and dirt can make them less responsive. Wipe them gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
If a trackpad stops responding, restart the controller and check Steam's test screen. Persistent problems may need support from Valve.
Battery and charging
The Steam Controller charges magnetically using the puck. Check that the controller charges when placed on the puck, and that the battery level shows in Steam.
If charging is slow or doesn't work, check the magnetic contacts are clean and the puck is connected to power.
Connecting by USB, Bluetooth or the puck
Each connection method has its strengths. USB is the most consistent. The puck gives a low-latency wireless connection and charges the controller. Bluetooth lets you connect to devices without the puck.
Test the controller with the connection you'll actually use, because behaviour can vary between them.
Firmware updates
Steam updates the controller's firmware automatically when it's connected. If something isn't working right, make sure Steam is up to date and connect the controller by USB to update.
Firmware updates can fix bugs and add features, so keeping the controller updated is a good habit.
Comparing the Steam Controller with the Steam Deck
The Steam Controller shares many features with the Steam Deck's built-in controls, including trackpads, grip buttons and gyro. If you're used to the Deck, the layout will feel familiar.
The main difference is that the controller is separate from the screen, so it suits playing on a TV or monitor.
If an input doesn't respond
If a button or stick doesn't respond here, test it in Steam's test screen too. If it works there, the browser isn't seeing that input. If it doesn't work there either, the input may be faulty.
Restart the controller and reconnect it by USB before deciding it's faulty. Firmware updates through Steam sometimes fix input problems.
Steam Input profiles
Steam Input lets you create a different control layout for each game, including trackpad modes, gyro settings and grip button functions. Community layouts are also available for many games.
After testing that every input works here, setting up a profile is the best way to make the most of the controller.
Checking trigger range
Pull each trigger slowly from rest to fully pressed and watch the value rise. It should start at zero, increase smoothly and reach the top. The Steam Controller's triggers also have a click at the end of their travel, which registers as a separate button press.
If a trigger doesn't reach full range, calibrate it in Steam's controller settings, then test again.
Common problems
Close Steam, reconnect the controller, and press a button again.
The browser may treat it as a generic controller. The test still checks every input; ignore the labels.
Your browser can't read them with this connection. Use Steam's controller settings to test them.
Frequently asked questions
Do TMR sticks drift?
They're much less prone to drift than standard sticks, but it's still worth checking a used controller.
Can I test it on a Steam Deck?
Use our Steam Deck Controls Test for the Deck's built-in controls.
Is this made by Valve?
No. It's an independent tester.
Does the Steam Controller work on consoles?
No. It's designed for PC, Steam Deck and Valve's other hardware.
Can I test the haptics here?
Not on this page. Use Steam's controller settings to test haptics.
Why do the trackpads not show?
Browsers can't always read them. Use Steam's test screen for the trackpads.
Does it have stick drift problems?
TMR sticks are much less prone to drift than standard sticks, but testing a used controller is still worthwhile.
Can I use it on a Mac?
It works as a gamepad where the system recognises it. Steam on Mac gives the fullest support.
Can I calibrate the sticks here?
Use Steam's controller settings for calibration.