One of the most underutilized features of the Steam Deck is Steam Input. It’s not just for mapping controller buttons; it essentially lets you remap the entire hardware of the Deck. This is a game-changer for emulation and non-Steam games.

You can map the rear touchpads to act as mouse inputs for point-and-click games, or create "hotkeys" that launch specific macros. For example, you can map a double-tap of the L4 button to instantly take a screenshot or toggle your shader without ever leaving the game.

You can even create "layers." Hold a back paddle, and your face buttons suddenly become hotkeys for save states and loading. It adds a level of customization that no other handheld offers natively. If you aren't using Steam Input profiles, you are leaving a lot of power on the table.

Call to Action: Download our favorite "Ultimate Emulation Control Profile" from the downloads page and take your Deck controls to the next level.