protonscr

External controller cannot control Steam Quick Access / Overlay when docked to CRT via VGA/composite adapter (works in-game + on HDMI)

steamclosed overlayDistro Family: SteamOSGeneral controller / Steam Input
ValveSoftware/steam-for-linux#13412 · opened 2026-07-14 by demonglazer · updated 2026-07-14 · 1 comments · github
Ddemonglazer 2026-07-14 github

Hardware/Software:
•⁠ Steam client version: 1783717985
•⁠ SteamOS version: 3.8.22
•⁠ Opted into Steam client beta?: Yes
•⁠ Opted into SteamOS beta?: Yes
•⁠ Have you checked for updates in Settings > System?: Yes
•⁠ ⁠Steam Deck model: LCD 256gb
•⁠ ⁠Dock: JSAUX Upgraded Docking Station 4K@120Hz
•⁠ ⁠Adapters: Wonlyus HDMI to RCA and BENFEI HDMI to VGA
•⁠ ⁠Controller: 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Wireless and DualShock 4
•⁠ ⁠Display: Sony KV-21FS140 and ViewSonic E70
•⁠ ⁠Reproducible: 100% with the above setup

Expected Behavior:
External controller should consistently control Steam UI elements (Quick Access, overlay, menus) when docked, regardless of display type.

Actual Behavior:
Controller input for SteamOS UI is lost/blocked only while video output is active on CRT/adapter setups. In-game input remains unaffected.

Description / Steps to Reproduce:

1.⁠ ⁠Dock Steam Deck and connect to external CRT monitor/TV using VGA or composite adapter (not direct HDMI).
2.⁠ ⁠Pair an external controller (tested with both 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth).
3.⁠ ⁠Launch a game in Gaming Mode.
4.⁠ ⁠In-game: Controller fully works for gameplay.
5.⁠ ⁠Press Steam button (or equivalent Home/Guide + A): Steam Quick Access menu and Steam overlay appear but do not respond to the external controller. (Deck's built-in controls or keyboard may still work.)
6.⁠ ⁠Disconnect the external display (or switch to Deck screen): External controller immediately regains full control of Steam menus.
7.⁠ ⁠Same behavior occurs on any non-HDMI legacy display (via dock + adapter). Direct HDMI monitors work normally. Other modern monitors have no issue.

Additional Info:
•⁠ ⁠Issue is independent of controller wireless protocol (Bluetooth + 2.4GHz both affected).
•⁠ ⁠No issues when using the same controller + direct HDMI.
•⁠ ⁠Controller order re-arrangement and External Display Safe Mode were tested but did not resolve.

Workaround(s) that partially help:
•⁠ ⁠Use direct HDMI instead of adapter.
•⁠ ⁠Disconnect external display to regain UI control

Kkisak-valve maintainer 2026-07-14 github

Hello @demonglazer, this issue is already being tracked at #13384. Closing as a duplicate.

Nothing extracted yet.