Valve rolls out the red carpet for its new Steam controller with battery warnings, gamepad quick-chat and—bonus!—remote download controls
Valve has released its April 28 Steam client update with significant improvements for Steam Controller users across desktop and Steam Deck platforms. The update introduces new battery management features, including a wireless controller battery warning system that notifies users when their controller’s battery is running low. A battery indicator has also been added to the top of Big Picture Mode, providing at-a-glance visibility of controller status.
Additional features include gamepad quick-chat functionality, allowing users to communicate through the controller interface without leaving the game, and remote download controls that enable users to manage game downloads outside their play session. These features are designed to enhance the couch gaming experience by minimizing the need to leave the sofa for common tasks.
These improvements are part of Valve’s monthly consolidated update cycle, which compiles various Steam client beta features into official releases for both desktop Steam and the Steam Deck client. The focus on battery management and quick-access features reflects Valve’s continued commitment to streamlining the controller-based gaming experience across its platforms.