The topic This open-source puck lets you use your Steam Controller on Xbox, Switch, and… 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.
Once you find a good controller, you really want to use it on every gaming device you own. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as plugging an Xbox controller into your Switch, so you often end up hunting for workarounds.
Fortunately, some workarounds are easier than others. Take the Steam Controller, for instance, which recently received a third-party HID Remapper update that lets you use it on other consoles. However, if you’d prefer to make something yourself, OpenPuck seems like the best way to achieve that right now.
As spotted by Hackaday, the OpenPuck is a DIY equivalent to the official Steam Controller Puck. The bad news is that the OpenPuck doesn’t retain the official puck’s ability to wirelessly charge your controller; however, it makes up for this by adding compatibility with all modern consoles.
Here’s how it works: first, you connect to the OpenPuck with your controller. You plug the puck into whatever you want to control, then hit one of the built-in shortcuts on your controller. for example, pressing “back-4 + X” puts it into Xbox mode, while pressing “back-4 + Y” lets you use it like a Switch controller with gyro and haptics. You can even force the Steam Controller into “lizard mode,” which it falls back to when you plug it into a PC and Steam isn’t open.
The bill of materials includes a Pro Micro NRF52840 (which should cost under $10) and a 3D-printed case, so it definitely won’t break the bank getting this thing made. And while it doesn’t support charging yet, the creator does have it on their to-do list, so keep an eye out for that. Head over to the OpenPuck GitHub page and check out the video above for more information.