protonscr

Controller Delayed/Double Inputs

steamopen Steam controllerDistro Family: Arch
ValveSoftware/steam-for-linux#13373 · opened 2026-07-02 by Dgibby235 · updated 2026-08-09 · 6 comments · github
DDgibby235 2026-07-02 github

Your system information

  • Steam client version (build number or date): 1782952760
  • Distribution (e.g. Ubuntu): CachyOS
  • Opted into Steam client beta?: [Yes/No] Yes
  • Have you checked for system updates?: [Yes/No] Yes
  • Steam Logs: steam-logs.tar.gz
  • GPU: AMD

Please describe your issue in as much detail as possible:

The other week or so, I noticed the dpad on my 2026 steam controller will occasionally register multiple inputs at once, or just not register anything for a second or two. The joysticks also suffer from some kind of delay, more the right one than the left. If I’m playing a game and move the right joystick it will either not register, or lightly tapping it will cause it to spin for a little bit.

The delay/double input happens out of game, so there's a delay when navigating Steam in big picture mode as well. This issue affects my other controller as well, an 8bitdo sn30 pro. Tested both wired and wireless, changing the usb port made it slightly better, but not totally. See the videos below to show the delay/multiple inputs. The controllers work with no issue on my steam deck running steamOS.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYP2-W4KQ7s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Epdimw0SLQ4

I've tried switching to the Steam beta, resetting my motherboard CMOS battery (in case it was a USB issue), swapping cables, so far none has worked.

Steps for reproducing this issue:

  1. Open Steam
  2. Go to big picture mode
  3. Navigate using the dpad/joystick/trackpad until inputs start doubling or are delayed
  4. Test in game
Jjn64 2026-07-02 github

./webhelper_gpu.txt:[2026-07-01 20:53:30] [ XDG_CURRENT_DESKTOP ]: KDE

Maybe related to KDE bugs?

https://bugs.kde.org/show_bug.cgi?id=520312
https://bugs.kde.org/show_bug.cgi?id=515994

DDgibby235 2026-07-02 github

I did turn off that option, but the issue still persists on my end.

DDgibby235 2026-07-08 github

Still having this issue, although I think an update has made it slightly better. I also have noticed that the right trackpad will occasionally skip after moving around for a few seconds. I assume it's related as it is the same with the right joystick.

This skipping does not happen when steam is closed.

TTrustyFox185 2026-07-12 github

Also getting this issue on Fedora with Cosmic Desktop

CClaudeLib 2026-08-03 github

Having the double input issue with my trusty Steam Controller 2015 on the latest stable SteamOS in Desktop Mode. Occasionally it appears that the controller starts operating in both Desktop Mode and Lizard Mode simultaneously, where the haptic feedback from moving the cursor with the right trackpad is much louder than usual and button presses, like D-Pad, or Start for Esc, or B for Space, or A for Enter, are doubled. Usually it happens when a Steam-related event happens, like finishing downloading a game. Invoking the Chord mode (moving the mouse around using the right trackpad while the Steam button is pressed down) seems to resolve the issue temporarily. I also get the laggy mouse movement issue sometimes, but I think it's caused by bad connection or something (I'm using the controller with the wireless dongle).

CClaudeLib 2026-08-07 github

Found a reliable way to trigger the double mode issue. Works 100% of the time on my PC running genuine SteamOS Stable.
In Desktop mode, open System Settings, navigate to Game Controller and give it a second so it recognizes the Steam Controller.
Now after closing it, the controller starts operating in Desktop Mode and Lizard Mode simultaneously.

Nothing extracted yet.