Steam Controller mod converts PC audio to haptics so deaf users can feel sound

[Daniel Sims]

The big picture: Accessibility options for disabled gamers and PC users have advanced significantly in recent years, largely thanks to official support from hardware manufacturers and game developers. However, versatile devices such as Valve's new Steam Controller have also allowed modders to develop unique solutions.

Modder FamBoy32-dev recently unveiled LiveHaptics, which transfers a PC's audio to the Steam Controller's rumble function, allowing hearing-impaired users to feel movies, music and games through vibrations. The app currently supports Windows and Linux.

LiveHaptics runs system audio through a per-channel DSP chain and then through a haptic PCM stream to the controller's actuators. It supports Bluetooth and wired USB connections, as well as the Steam Controller's proprietary wireless receiver.

I made the Steam Controller (2026) play live system audio through its haptics
by u/GooseVast6551 in SteamController

The Windows version is a fully static binary that requires no installation, while the Linux port supports every distro, including Valve's SteamOS. An early demonstration on Reddit shows the app running sound from a YouTube video and a game through the controller's vibration. The mod could help the Steam Controller complement other accessibility features for hearing-impaired gamers, such as subtitles, which have begun offering many customization options in recent titles.

To begin using LiveHaptics on Windows, close Steam, unzip the archive from the app's GitHub page, and double-click the executable. Then, connect the Steam Controller and choose an audio output under "Capture device" if it is not already set as the default. The GitHub repository contains more detailed Linux installation directions.

Although the Steam Controller's $99 MSRP makes it a luxury compared with most standard gamepads, Valve's appreciation for modding has brought fun and useful applications to the device since its April launch. Earlier this year, someone devised a method for moving the controller across surfaces using vibration. Eventually, another modder combined the trick with a vision tracker to make the Steam Controller automatically find and navigate to its charging puck.

Much like LiveHaptics, SteamHapticsPlayer can stream audio files to the Steam Controller on Windows and Linux. The mod's developer also created an app for precisely monitoring the controller's battery.

While using Valve's controller officially requires running Steam in the background, modders have also developed microcontroller firmware to add support for non-Steam games and consoles. With a Pro Micro nRF52840 or a similar board, the Steam Controller can work with the Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and even PlayStation 3.

Although the Steam Controller supports PC gaming, Valve primarily pushed it as the main input device for its PC-console hybrid, the Steam Machine. The company's latest VR headset, the Steam Frame, is expected to launch any day now.

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Steam Controller mod converts PC audio to haptics so deaf users can feel sound

 

[yRaz]

After using track pads on the steamdeck I can't wait for my steam controller because I get frustrated using a regular controller without them. People say that at $100 it's an expensive luxury, after gaming with the track pads it's a necessity. After you sit with a regular controller and start to notice all the little gaps that they fill, using a regular controller becomes a frustrating experience. People always talk about how mouse and keyboard is better, but it becomes painfully obvious when you start to notice dozens of times a minute you finding yourself want to switch from the thumb stick to the thumbpad for

 

[stewi0001]

After using track pads on the steamdeck I can't wait for my steam controller because I get frustrated using a regular controller without them. People say that at $100 it's an expensive luxury, after gaming with the track pads it's a necessity. After you sit with a regular controller and start to notice all the little gaps that they fill, using a regular controller becomes a frustrating experience. People always talk about how mouse and keyboard is better, but it becomes painfully obvious when you start to notice dozens of times a minute you finding yourself want to switch from the thumb stick to the thumbpad for

Mostly depends on what you are playing. Overall I do prefer keyboard and mouse. I also enjoy using HOTAS when I can.

I will also say, this controller is more likely worth $100 than Nintendo's Switch 2 joycons.

When you get it yRaz, can I drop it? XD

 

[yRaz]

When you get it yRaz, can I drop it? XD

Sure, but I'll likely be dead before it leaves my hands. I doubt I'm on their September list, I hope I can at least get it by December. I get 2-3 months off every winter due to the nature of my work, it would be nice if I could use it while I hibernate in my cave over the winter.

 

[YSignal]

Sure, but I'll likely be dead before it leaves my hands. I doubt I'm on their September list, I hope I can at least get it by December. I get 2-3 months off every winter due to the nature of my work, it would be nice if I could use it while I hibernate in my cave over the winter.

Got mine a few weeks ago, you're gonna love it. I just wanted to try it because I was curious about it, now It's my daily driver controller. Tip: get the Steamless Controller app from github if you're using Windows.

 

[yRaz]

Got mine a few weeks ago, you're gonna love it. I just wanted to try it because I was curious about it, now It's my daily driver controller. Tip: get the Steamless Controller app from github if you're using Windows.

No, recently installed CachyOS and its quickly becoming my favorite distro. Mint was goto for years. I do plan on trying steamOS once I get my controller