The latest Steam client beta allows players to activate the Bluetooth Low Energy functionality in Steam Controllers, setting them up to be able to pair their controllers with mobile devices when the Steam Link app goes live.
The Steam Link app launches next week, but if you’ve opted in to beta versions of the Steam client, you can download the latest version, connect your Steam Controller, and select “update firmware now” the dialog box appears. That will update your Steam Controller and allow you to start using Bluetooth right away.
Steam warn that this will reset all the controller’s pairing settings, so you’ll have to link it back up with your wireless receiver once you’re done.
With the updated firmware, you can swap between wireless and BLE modes. Press A + the Steam button to use the original wireless mode (which Valve recommend in most cases, as it’s the faster protocol), and press B + the Steam button to switch to Bluetooth. The controller will stay in the last mode it was used in until it’s switched.
When the Steam Link app launches next week, you’ll be ready to pair your controller up to your phone or tablet and start streaming your Steam library to the small screen.
Top image credit: Valve