Valve Just Confirmed Switch 2 Controllers Early—and Steam’s Latest Update Changes Everything

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Mobile gamers love convenience, and Steam’s latest update quietly delivers exactly that—while also dropping a bombshell hint about Nintendo’s next console. Valve’s newest Steam Client Beta includes early support for Nintendo Switch 2 controllers, along with long-awaited GameCube controller compatibility and a full shift toward 64-bit computing. It’s a massive quality-of-life update that makes hopping between mobile and PC gaming easier than ever, especially if you’re regularly using Steam Game Keys to build your library.

Let’s start with the reveal everyone is talking about: Steam now recognizes Nintendo Switch 2 controllers, despite Nintendo not officially announcing the hardware. This is one of the strongest public indicators yet that the Switch 2 is real, functional, and already in partner hands. Valve doesn’t add controller support unless it has access to device specifications, meaning Nintendo’s next-generation hardware is further along than many expected.

Right now, the controllers only function through a USB cable in the Steam beta. Wireless support seems inevitable, but it will likely be tied to Nintendo’s formal announcement. Still, it’s a huge win for players who enjoy mixing PC and console ecosystems—and a fascinating moment in gaming’s ongoing evolution.

But Valve didn’t stop there. The update finally introduces native GameCube controller support for Windows users. For decades, fans of Nintendo’s early-2000s hardware have had to rely on unofficial drivers and emulator hacks to get the controller working properly. Now, Steam Input recognizes official GameCube adapters running in Wii U mode, even bringing rumble support online. For competitive Smash players and nostalgic fans alike, this unlocks the ability to use their favorite controller across entire Steam libraries.

Under the hood, Valve pushed forward an even bigger upgrade: Steam is now a 64-bit application on modern Windows systems. With 32-bit OS usage practically nonexistent, Valve is removing the technical restrictions of older architecture to improve stability, performance, and memory handling. Support for the older 32-bit client will continue until January 1, 2026, giving stragglers time to upgrade. For mobile gamers who occasionally switch to PC, this means faster load times, fewer crashes, and smoother handling when activating Steam Wallet Code.

The update includes even more technical polish. Valve fixed a clipboard issue involving H265 video exports on Nvidia 50-series GPUs and resolved a regression causing Unity games to misread controller connection changes. Gyroscope options also saw refinement, with newer modes moving to default status while preserving compatibility for older settings.

Players excited to try these new features immediately can join the Steam Client Beta through the settings menu. It’s an easy process, though beta builds may have occasional bugs. Curious players—especially those eager to test Switch 2 controller functionality or use GameCube controllers in their favorite PC games—will find it worth the experiment.

Valve’s update signals a pivotal moment in gaming hardware development. Early Switch 2 support indicates close cooperation between two industry giants and suggests Nintendo’s next system may launch sooner than expected. The GameCube update opens fresh possibilities for retro fans, and the shift to 64-bit ensures Steam is ready for the demanding games of the future.

For mobile-first players who jump between handheld and PC screens, Steam continues to evolve into a flexible, powerful platform that works seamlessly across devices. Whether you’re exploring new games or redeeming the latest deals, these changes elevate the entire experience.