Valve has just pushed a new patch for the Steam client, available to anyone running the Beta version. One major change is the shift to 64-bit on Windows 11 and Windows 10 – support for 32-bit systems will be dropped at the start of next year. Another thing worth talking about is the new support for Nintendo Switch 2 and GameCube controllers on Windows machines.

The new update also addresses a small number of bugs, along with improvements to gyro modes for supported controllers.

Steam gets support for Nintendo Switch 2 and GameCube controllers

The Steam Client Beta has been updated with the following changes:

General

• The Steam client is now 64-bit on Windows 11 and Windows 10 64-bit.
  • Systems running 32-bit versions of Windows will continue receiving updates to the 32-bit Steam client until January 1, 2026.

Game Recording

• Fixed errors copying to clipboard or exporting H265 videos on systems with a NVIDIA 50xx series gpu.

Steam Input

• Fixed regression detecting controller hotplug in Unity games
• Added support for Nintendo Switch 2 controllers connected over USB on Windows
• Added support for GameCube adapters in Wii-U mode with rumble on Windows
• Promoted the newer gyro modes from beta to the default gyro modes loaded. Older configuration that are using the older modes will still see the option and you can also enable Steam Input dev mode under Settings->Developer to keep them visible all the time.
• Fix a case where the desktop version of the configurator could unexpectedly close when trying to preview a configuration for another game on the Search tab

Source: Steam

It’s nice to see Valve adding support for these controllers. GameCube adapters require custom USB drivers to get working on your Windows machine, though once you’ve set that all up, software such as the Dolphin emulator would allow for plug-and-play support with native controls and configuration. The same will now apply on Steam, now that they are recognized by Steam Input.

For the Nintendo Switch 2 controllers, it’s worth noting that support is only available through USB – not wirelessly.

How to switch to the Steam Client Beta

• Open Steam (log in if you aren’t already)
• Click ‘Steam’ in the upper left and select ‘Settings’
• Navigate to the ‘Interface’ tab on the left column
• Select ‘Client Beta Participation’ and select ‘Steam Beta Update’ from the drop-down list
• Restart Steam, as prompted

About the Author

Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.