The topic HID Remapper now lets you use the Steam Controller on the Switch, and the trackpad… is currently the subject of lively discussion — readers and analysts are keeping a close eye on developments.
This is taking place in a dynamic environment: companies’ decisions and competitors’ reactions can quickly change the picture.
In an ideal world, you’d be able to use any controller on any device. Different controller designers bring different things to the table, and having the option to pick your favorite and use it on any console or PC you own would be a huge benefit. At the very least, it would stop me needing to re-learn where the A and B buttons are when I go between an Xbox and a Switch controller.
Fortunately, modding is always there to save the day. The most common application of controller mods allows us to use our favorite controllers on PCs when they weren’t designed with computers in mind. However, while they are rarer, a modder does sometimes find a way to bring PC controllers to consoles. Such is the case of the HID Remapper, which now lets you use your Steam Controller on your Switch; and yes, that includes the trackpad.
As spotted by VideoCardz, the creator of HID Remapper, Jacek Fedoryński, posted on X to announce the new feature. If you’ve never heard of it before, the HID Remapper is an open-source USB adapter you can reprogram. The idea is that you can add code that translates your inputs into a desired output, which is great for remapping controls or tweaking your USB mouse’s sensitivity.
In this case, Fedoryński has released an update that lets HID Remapper play nicely with the Steam Controller. This allows you to use the controller on anything that accepts USB inputs, including the Switch and Switch 2.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: does this mean you can use the Steam Controller trackpad as a Switch 2 mouse input? Unfortunately, Fedoryński says that, while the trackpad can mimic a mouse input, the Switch 2 doesn’t let you use it if a controller is connected, which kind of scuppers that idea. Ah, well; it’s still an amazing feat, nonetheless.